Torque Converter Failing?
May 19, 2022
Torque Converter Failing?

What is a Torque Converter?
A torque converter is a doughnut-shaped internal engine component that is attached directly between the transmission and engine. An automatic transmission has a unique component known as a torque converter. It provides the same function in an automatic vehicle as a clutch in a manual vehicle. An automatic transmission would not work without it.
How does it work? The torque converter is a type of fluid coupling which allows the engine to spin to an extent independently of the transmission. For example, if your engine is idling then the engine is slowly turning therefore only a small amount of torque passes through the torque converter. This is the reason why you don’t have to press hard on the brake pedal to keep your vehicle from not moving. When you press on the gas pedal to make your vehicle move again you must press harder to begin moving versus if you are already in motion. Due to the fact when you are already in motion, the engine is speeding up resulting in more fluid being pumped into the torque converter. As more fluid is pumped into the torque converter the more torque gets transferred to the axles and then the wheels.
Signs of a failing Torque Converter When the torque converter starts to have problems, there are a few symptoms that may occur. You may feel slipping and shuddering in overdrive. This shuddering makes the car lag and is apparent. Overheating is a sign of a failing torque converter. If your vehicle keeps overheating and starts to act funny or even stays in one gear and will not shift, it could indicate a torque converter problem. Transmission fluid being contaminated can also damage the torque converter.
Eagle Transmission Shop in Mesquite
How does it work? The torque converter is a type of fluid coupling which allows the engine to spin to an extent independently of the transmission. For example, if your engine is idling then the engine is slowly turning therefore only a small amount of torque passes through the torque converter. This is the reason why you don’t have to press hard on the brake pedal to keep your vehicle from not moving. When you press on the gas pedal to make your vehicle move again you must press harder to begin moving versus if you are already in motion. Due to the fact when you are already in motion, the engine is speeding up resulting in more fluid being pumped into the torque converter. As more fluid is pumped into the torque converter the more torque gets transferred to the axles and then the wheels.
Signs of a failing Torque Converter When the torque converter starts to have problems, there are a few symptoms that may occur. You may feel slipping and shuddering in overdrive. This shuddering makes the car lag and is apparent. Overheating is a sign of a failing torque converter. If your vehicle keeps overheating and starts to act funny or even stays in one gear and will not shift, it could indicate a torque converter problem. Transmission fluid being contaminated can also damage the torque converter.
Eagle Transmission Shop in Mesquite
To learn more about torque converters give us a call. We are here to help you get back on the road again. We can inspect, and see if your torque converter needs to be replaced. We service Dallas and surrounding areas including Seagoville, Lancaster, Garland and more.

It’s important to get your transmission looked at right away if your transmission has been slipping. It can be a warning sign of transmission failure heading your way. Various factors can cause a transmission to slip, and, in some cases, a minor repair may solve the problem. A major fix will require expert diagnostics, labor, and money.

Are you experiencing high engine revs and your vehicle doesn’t accelerate as much as it should then your transmission might be slipping. It’s not recommended to drive a vehicle with a slipping transmission. It could be dangerous for you, your vehicle, and even other vehicles
nearby. Continuing to drive with a slipping transmission can turn what might be a small relatively easy to repair problem into a larger issue that will cost significantly more to fix.

Here at Eagle Transmission in Mesquite our mechanics are transmission experts and can handle all makes and models of vehicles. When you need transmission service, we can take care of all your vehicle transmission needs right here in our transmission shop. Some of the different type of transmission services are:

Automatic transmission is one of the most complex systems in a vehicle. You need to pay close attention if your vehicle starts running differently such as strange sounds, peculiar smells, or handling differently while driving. These signs could indicate a problem with your transmission. Properly diagnosing the vehicle’s problem is very important.

First let’s start at the beginning. Many new drivers and even people that have been driving for years don’t know what kind of transmission is in their vehicle and that’s ok. But to be able to take care of your vehicle better, it’s best to know what type you have under the hood. So, let’s begin with discussing what is a transmission?