Symptoms of a Damaged Torque Converter?
2 Answers
Common symptoms of a damaged torque converter include: excessively high oil temperature in the torque converter, excessively low oil supply pressure, oil leakage from the torque converter, excessively low vehicle speed or lack of power, and abnormal noises during operation. Solution: Replace the torque converter in a timely manner. More information about the torque converter is as follows: 1. The torque converter is a hydraulic component composed of a pump impeller, turbine, and guide wheel. It is installed between the engine and the transmission, using hydraulic oil as the working medium, and serves to transmit torque, change torque, shift gears, and act as a clutch. 2. The role of the torque converter: It automatically and continuously changes the turbine speed according to load variations, improving the vehicle's passing ability; the torque converter connects the pump impeller and turbine through liquid, reducing the impact load of the engine on the transmission system and extending the lifespan of the transmission system. 3. The direction of oil flow in the torque converter: In a torque converter equipped with a guide wheel, the automatic transmission fluid changes direction after flowing from the turbine into the guide wheel. When the fluid flows back to the pump impeller, its flow direction aligns with the movement direction of the pump impeller, enhancing the rotational torque of the pump impeller and increasing the output torque.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've seen many cases of torque converter failures. First, the car shakes noticeably when starting or driving at low speeds, as if the engine is struggling but the power transmission isn't smooth, often accompanied by a humming noise. Second, gear shifting becomes delayed—the car responds sluggishly after shifting into Drive (D), or there are sudden jerks, especially when climbing hills or accelerating, making it feel like the speed won't pick up. Third, if the problem worsens, the vehicle may overheat, triggering a warning light on the dashboard, and excessively high oil temperature can lead to chain damage in the transmission. A friend of mine had an old car with this issue, and ignoring it led to a significant increase in repair costs. Now, I always remind people to get their transmission fluid checked at a 4S shop as early as possible—don't wait for a minor issue to become a major one. After all, safety comes first, and having your car break down on the road is far too dangerous.
