Is Your Torque Converter Failing?

One of the most common causes of automatic transmission failure is a malfunctioning torque converter. If this key component is damaged or isn’t working properly, it can lead to all sorts of other internal transmission trouble.

What is a Torque Converter?

A torque converter is part of an automatic transmission system. It is essentially what makes the vehicle “automatic” in terms of shifting between gears as you accelerate and decelerate. It controls the shifting, which makes it a very important piece of equipment. Unfortunately, it is also very sensitive and can be prone to failure without the right transmission care.

Signs of Torque Converter Failure

Below are some of the signs of a failing torque converter or other transmission problems that you will want to get checked out as soon as possible. At the first sign of transmission trouble, you should get your vehicle inspected by a transmission specialist. You may be able to catch a minor issue before it develops into a major problem. Here are some of the symptoms to look for:

Sluggish Acceleration

If your vehicle feels unusually sluggish during acceleration (especially when in certain gears), your torque converter could be too blame.

Shifting Troubles

If your transmission slips between gears, slips out of gear or is having trouble shifting into specific gears, it is a clear sign of a transmission problem. It may be the torque converter, an issue with the gearbox or something else worth getting fixed sooner rather than later.

Overheating Transmission

An overheating transmission is a major concern. Like your engine, your transmission can also overheat if something is wrong or there isn’t enough transmission fluid. This can lead to serious internal damage and make the vehicle unsafe to drive. If your transmission temperature gauge is giving you a warning, get your transmission inspected as soon as possible.

Transmission Fluid Issues

Transmission fluid leaks, unexpectedly low transmission fluid levels and degraded transmission fluid (milky, full of debris, burnt, etc.) are all standard symptoms of transmission problems. In many cases, you may just be overdue for a transmission maintenance service. This can prevent internal problems from developing. In other cases, bad transmission fluid can be a sign that there is an internal issue such as a failing torque converter.

If you are experiencing any of these transmission problems or something else, you may have a failing torque converter or another issue worth addressing. Let the Central Valley transmission experts at Escalon Transmission perform a proper inspection to determine the course of the problem and recommend the necessary repairs. A failing torque converter can be replaced, or it may be best to rebuild your transmission entirely if the internal damage is severe enough.

Call Escalon Transmission today at (209) 838-0113 or schedule your service appointment online.