What are the symptoms of a faulty torque converter?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a faulty torque converter: 1. Overheating of the torque converter oil; 2. Insufficient oil supply pressure in the torque converter; 3. Oil leakage from the torque converter; 4. The machine moves at too low a speed or lacks power; 5. Abnormal noises from inside during operation. A torque converter is a hydraulic component composed of a pump wheel, turbine, and guide wheel, installed between the engine and the transmission. It uses hydraulic oil as the working medium to transmit torque, change torque, shift gears, and act as a clutch. Functions of the torque converter: 1. It can automatically and continuously adjust the turbine speed according to load changes, improving the vehicle's passing ability; 2. The torque converter connects the pump wheel and turbine through liquid, reducing the impact load of the engine on the transmission system and extending the lifespan of the transmission system.
I've been running an auto repair shop for years and often come across vehicles with faulty torque converters. The symptoms are numerous, with the most common being sluggish acceleration—when you step on the gas, the engine revs up but the car doesn't pick up speed, almost as if it's slipping or freewheeling. Gear shifts also become noticeably delayed, where smooth acceleration should occur but instead feels jerky. Sometimes, this is accompanied by a humming noise, seemingly coming from beneath the transmission. Additionally, you might feel excessive vibration while driving, especially during takeoff or uphill climbs. These issues arise due to damaged internal impellers or lock-up clutches in the torque converter, leading to unstable torque transfer. In severe cases, the transmission may overheat, leak fluid, or even get stuck in a single gear. I recommend car owners check the torque converter's fluid pressure and overall sealing at the first sign of trouble—don't wait until the transmission is completely ruined, as the repair costs can be steep.
The torque converter in my old car had issues before, and I still remember it vividly. It felt weird when driving, like the car responded half a beat slower when stepping on the gas, and the speed wouldn't pick up, especially when starting from a red light—super awkward. Also, during high-speed driving, there was a continuous whining noise that was really annoying. Shifting gears wasn't smooth either, as if it got stuck in second or third gear, jerking abruptly. These problems were mostly due to clogged oil passages or worn blades in the torque converter, causing power transmission interruptions. Later, when I got it repaired, I learned that ignoring it for too long could easily damage the entire transmission. Now, I always advise my friends to pay more attention to such abnormalities while driving and deal with them early to avoid bigger troubles.
