Failure Signs Of Torque Converter

A Torque Converter is one of the main components of your vehicle. Torque Converter must be in a healthy state if you want your car to run smoothly. If that’s not the case then you are in trouble. The torque converter is an essential part of your car as it transfers the power from your car’s engine to the transmission of your car. Hence you are using your torque converter every time you shift gears in your car. It’s a general replacement for the car with a mechanical clutch or with an automatic transmission. It works as a connector between the power source and load. The torque converter exists between the transmission and the engine’s flex plate. 

Torque Converter multiplies the torque. While the fluid coupling is only able to match the rotational speed of the engine but it can’t multiply torque. Hence using a torque converter boosts the power of your engine. There are some torque converters that have a lockup mechanism. Which can bind the transmission with the engine. It is beneficial when both speeds are almost equal then it avoids slippage. Which can reduce the power outrage of the car.

Also, the global market for torque converters is also on a rise. The torque converter market is growing at a CAGR of 4.54%. As the torque converters are advancing in technology. If the torque converter is not functioning properly it can affect your car’s function and drive. So you need to have a knowledge of the Failure signs of Torque Converter.

Table of content-

• Torque Converter and Transmission
• Torque Converter Failure Problems
• Conclusion

Torque Converter and Transmission-

The torque converter has fluid inside it. Which helps the torque converter to act as a hydraulic pump. Thus it acts as a coupling agent between the transmission and the engine. A lot of people think that there is some problem with their engine. When the actual problem resides with the torque converter. The confusion arises due to the failing symptoms of the transmission which is very much similar to the torque converter.  

Torque Converter Failure Problems-

There may be many reasons for a torque converter failure. These problems can be of different types and forms. Here is a list of some common types of torque converter problems.

1- Overheating  

Most of the vehicles on the road today have a transmission temperature indicator. It will let you know when your vehicle is overheating. Also if your transmission keeps on overheating then you can also notice that your vehicle’s transmission is acting in a rough manner. It is also possible that your transmission will fail and you will not be able to shift the gears at all. When these problems are going on simultaneously then it can mean that your torque converter is not working smoothly. This will result in the torque converter not being able to transfer the power smoothly and effectively to the engine from the transmission.

2- slipping  

If you are starting your vehicle put it in a gear and feel some sudden type of shudders. Something like it got up the flu with a temperature. The malfunctioning torque converter can show signs of shudder that would be coming from the transmission. The slipping process generally happens when you are driving and changing the gears of your vehicle. It may also produce some type of noise through the engine compartment. 

A torque converter is a coupler in between the transmission and the engine. It directly converts the engine torque into the hydraulic pressure through which the transmission engages and shifts gear. So if your torque converter is not functioning well then you can be able to feel some slipping and shuddering.

3- Shuddering

You can easily notice if your car shudders as it will feel like vibrating. It will feel vibrating even when you are driving at a slow speed. It makes your car less efficient and is easy to notice.

4- Damaged Torque seal

There are many reasons because of which a torque seal may get damage. The fluid will start to leak if the torque seal gets damage. Thus your engine will not be able to retain the same amount of transmission fluid. Which the torque converter needs to transfer the power from the engine directly to the transmission. This may lead to the damage of the converter as well as transmission.    

5- Contamination of transmission fluid 

The torque couple mainly depends on the transmission fluid to function in an appropriate manner. As a result of contamination in the transmission fluid. The auto parts that rely on the transmission fluid will get damage. It can be a reason for the failure of your converter parts and transmission parts.     

Conclusion- 

You should replace your torque converter. If your vehicle is showing any of the common symptoms like the above-mentioned ones. There is a growing demand in today’s car market for luxury and comfort with some safety features. Which also includes advanced manufacturing technology. Which we generally use to modify torque converters. The torque converter is designed by thinking about its real need in the future. The torque converter of the future will be based on a tuned control strategy. Which will be completely be based on the torque needs of the vehicles. The working and healthy torque converter provide an efficient and smooth ride.

You can easily identify Failure Signs Of Torque Converter. If there is a problem with your transmission and it is slipping out of gear. Also if there is regular sound coming out of your transmission. Something like the sound of whirring, clunking, humming, and also shuddering. Then these are the signs that your torque converter is not in a good health. If your transmission is getting too hot then this is even not a good sign for your transmission. As the heat is an enemy of your transmission. Overheating can be caused by an unhealthy transmission that can give serious damage to your transmission. The main thing that makes these points harmful is that something would be wrong in your torque converter that would not have come into notice many years before.