The torque converter is the part of your machine that controls how much fluid is passed on to the transmission. It also allows your engine to continue to run while completely stopped. If this specific component of the machine happens to malfunction, it can cause strange behavior such as slipping. The difficult part is trying to diagnose what the exact cause of the torque converter malfunctioning is. There can be many causes for problems with torque converters.
It can be difficult to separate an issue with the transmission from problems with torque converters. Yet, there are some signs you should be aware of that can help you pinpoint what the issue is, whether that issue be with the transmission or the torque converter. Slipping, overheating, dirty fluid, shuddering, high stall speeds, and strange noises are all signs that point to a non-working torque converter. Most of the time, the torque converter will not be at the root cause of the issue you are facing, so be sure to get your transmission checked out by a professional before jumping to conclusions.
Here is some more information on the signs you should look for when a faulty torque converter is at play:
1) Overheating
If you check your temperature gauge and it seems to be overheating, then chances are, your torque converter isn’t working properly. This is the most common symptom of a malfunctioning torque converter, because if the fluid pressure drops, the transmission itself will begin to overheat. However, before you decide that the issue is with the torque converter, make sure that the problem isn’t due to other issues, such as low fluid levels or an issue with solenoid.
2) Gear Slipping
Problems with torque converters tend to show up rather quickly, since the fluid it manages is no longer being managed in a competent fashion. If there isn’t an appropriate amount of fluid being passed on to the transmission, the gears may slip, resulting in a lack of acceleration. If the fuel economy in your machinery drops, inefficient fluid may actually be the source of the issue, rather than a problem with the torque converter, so check your fluids first if any slipping with the transmission occurs.
3) Feels bumpy
When the machinery you are using feels as though it is shuddering, the problem may be the torque converter. Since the shuddering happens randomly, without rhyme or reason, you should get your transmission checked out as soon as you can. Since the shuddering issue occurs at random, you will not want to wait until it reoccurs.
4) Fluid Contamination
Another issue that points to torque converter problems is contamination in the fluid. If, when you check the fluid, you find thick clumps of dark material, either the clutches of the torque converter is damaged, or there is an issue with the transmission. Perform a fluid change before you assume the problem is the torque converter. Then, try and run the machinery for a while, and check back on it later.
5) Slow Engagement
With a ruined torque converter, the transmission will take longer than usual to engage the engine. This slow engagement results in higher stall speeds. Check you engine’s stall speed specifications, then perform a stall speed test based on the specifications listed, in order to diagnose for any torque converter issues.
6) Strange Sounds
Lastly, and perhaps most obviously, are strange or foreign sounds. Weird noises like revving or clicking may indicate a problem with the torque converter.
Using machinery with a bad torque converter is extremely dangerous, and doing so exacerbates the symptoms listed above. Once you have identified that the torque converter is the problem, you will need to get it replaced by professionals. This particular piece of the machinery is delicate and complicated. Therefore, it should not be fixed by the average person. Otherwise, more damage to the equipment could occur.
Luckily, we have a large selection of torque converters for you to choose from that is ready to be immediately dispatched at an affordable rate. If you are currently experiencing torque converter problems, we offer a rapid turnaround on the necessary replacement parts for your equipment.
Contact us today and let us find out how we can serve you!
