A failing torque converter can cause a variety of problems with your vehicle’s performance. Some of the most common signs that your torque converter may be going bad include:
Vibration When Accelerating
One of the first signs of torque converter problems is vibration or shuddering when you accelerate from a stop. This occurs because the torque converter is not fully engaging, causing the engine revs to rise without the vehicle accelerating as quickly as it should.
A faulty torque converter may initially cause vibration only when accelerating from a complete stop. But as the problem worsens, you may notice vibration at higher speeds too.
Delayed Acceleration
Along with vibration, a failing torque converter can also cause delayed acceleration. When you step on the gas pedal, the engine RPMs will jump up, but it takes longer for the vehicle to get up to speed.
This happens because fluid inside the torque converter is not flowing properly and failing to transfer engine power to the transmission. So the engine revs faster than normal before the vehicle starts moving.
Trouble Shifting Gears
Shifting problems can also be a sign of torque converter failure in automatic transmission vehicles. As the torque converter wears out, you may notice:
- Hard shifts between gears
- The vehicle hesitating to go into gear from Park
- A noticeable delay or slip between shifts
These symptoms occur because fluid flow within the torque converter is disrupted, causing problems with the hydraulic pressure required for smooth gear shifts.
Burning Smell
In severe cases, a severely damaged torque converter may produce a burning smell from overheating. This will usually be accompanied by shuddering, hesitation and acceleration problems.
The source of the burning odor is typically transmission fluid inside the failing torque converter overheating from excessive slippage. This overheating smell indicates internal components are under severe distress and failing.
Check Engine Light
A faulty torque converter can also trigger the check engine light on your dashboard. The onboard diagnostic system may detect and store trouble codes related to transmission issues caused by the failing torque converter.
Some common torque converter-related error codes include P0741, P0740, P2769, P2768, P2757 and P2758. Have the codes read to confirm the source of the problem.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Inspect underneath your vehicle for signs of a transmission fluid leak. A torque converter problem can cause fluid to leak from the transmission housing seal in front of the torque converter.
Low fluid levels caused by the leak will exacerbate transmission problems. Catching the leak early and topping up the fluid level can help minimize further damage.
High Transmission Temperature
Monitor your transmission temperature gauge if equipped. Consistently high temperatures, or temperatures over 250°F, can indicate issues with the torque converter causing overheating.
The torque converter relies on fluid to transfer engine power. But when it starts to fail, slippage and disruption in fluid flow can lead to overheating.
Unusual Noises
Listen for any abnormal noises coming from the transmission, especially when shifting between gears or accelerating. Whining, humming or growling sounds can indicate a problem with the torque converter.
Noises may be a sign of wear and tear on internal converter components. Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and diagnose the source of any unusual sounds.
Higher Fuel Consumption
Performance issues caused by a faulty torque converter can also lead to reduced fuel efficiency. Problems like slippage, overheating and poor acceleration force the engine to work harder, increasing fuel usage.
Monitor your mileage to see if fuel economy decreases significantly. A failing torque convert may cause gas mileage to drop by several MPG.
Dragging When Shifting
As the torque converter wears out, you may feel noticeable dragging when shifting the transmission into gear. This happens because fluid flow inside the converter is inadequate to allow the transmission to engage smoothly.
Dragging or hesitation when shifting into gear typically starts when shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse. But it will eventually be noticeable when shifting between all gears if the problem is not addressed.
Difficulty Maintaining Speed
A worn-out torque converter can make it difficult for your engine to maintain its target speed. You may experience unwanted slowing down when cruising at consistent speeds, requiring more gas pedal input to prevent deceleration.
This loss of power and speed control occurs when the torque converter starts to severely slip. The engine RPMs cannot be effectively transferred to move the vehicle, resulting in unpredictable variations in speed.
Transmission Slipping Between Gears
In addition to hard shifts between gears, transmission slippage may occur with a malfunctioning torque converter. You may feel the transmission struggling to stay engaged in the current gear before harshly shifting to the next gear.
Slippage between gears is often most noticeable when accelerating. This problem will usually be accompanied by engine revving and loss of power to the wheels.
Sudden Loss of Power
As a torque converter progressively fails, you may experience sudden power loss. Acceleration will drop off, potentially along with a loss of speed or vibrations.
This sudden change in performance indicates the torque converter is unable to consistently transfer engine power to the transmission. Emergency diagnostics of the torque converter are needed to prevent further drivability problems.
Transmission Fluid Leak
A transmission fluid leak can indicate a problem with the torque converter. Inspect the transmission case and torque converter area for signs of leaking fluid.
Common leak sources related to the torque converter include the transmission front seal, converter seal, and input shaft seal. Low fluid levels as a result of the leak may exacerbate transmission problems.
Conclusion
Catching torque converter problems early is critical to avoid major transmission repairs. Pay attention to symptoms like vibration, slipping, jerking shifts and acceleration issues, which all indicate your torque converter may be wearing out.
A failure of this important transmission component can leave your vehicle undrivable. At the first signs of the torque converter going bad, have your vehicle inspected and transmission tested by a certified mechanic.
| Symptom | Cause |
|---|---|
| Vibration When Accelerating | Torque converter not fully engaging |
| Delayed Acceleration | Fluid not flowing properly inside converter |
| Trouble Shifting Gears | Disrupted hydraulic pressure caused by faulty converter |
| Burning Smell | Transmission fluid overheating from excessive slippage |
| Check Engine Light | OBD codes triggered by transmission issues |
| Leaking Transmission Fluid | Seal failure caused by converter damage |
| High Transmission Temperature | Slippage and fluid flow disruption inside converter |
| Unusual Noises | Wear and tear on internal converter components |
| Higher Fuel Consumption | Engine working harder to compensate for converter failure |
| Dragging When Shifting | Inadequate fluid flow inside failing converter |
| Difficulty Maintaining Speed | Converter slippage prevents RPM transfer to wheels |
| Transmission Slipping Between Gears | Converter unable to fully couple engine and transmission |
| Sudden Loss of Power | Converter unable to transfer engine power to transmission |
A torque converter is a critical transmission component that relies on pressurized fluid to transfer engine power to the wheels. Signs like vibration, shuddering, hesitation and jerking indicate the converter’s fluid couplings are wearing out and failing.
Catching torque converter problems early provides the best chance to repair it before complete failure leaves you stranded. If your vehicle exhibits any symptoms of a failing torque converter, have the transmission inspected by a professional right away.
