Symptoms of a Failing Torque Converter and Replacement Cost

Only cars with automatic transmissions have torque converters and it can be a little challenging to determine if your car’s problems are from its torque converter or transmission. If your torque converter is bad, it can be costly to repair it. These are some signs you should be aware of to ensure your car does not fail you unexpectedly.

Slipping:

When the torque converter starts malfunctioning, you may feel a delay in shifting or it can slip out of gear.   The vehicle may feel sluggish and slow to respond when slipping is occurring. Driving with a slipping transmission is not recommended and should be a signal that you should get it checked out at a repair shop.

Rough Idling:

Rough Idling is another common symptom of a malfunctioning torque converter. A bad torque converter can idle a bit rough or have a shudder that comes from the transmission jumping between being too high or too low. When a torque converter is bad, you can get a lot of different pressures resulting in your car idling roughly.

Rough Acceleration:

Rough Acceleration or deceleration is a sign of a failing torque converter. If the torque converter is not working correctly, the hydraulic pressure which the torque converter creates will be inconsistent, resulting in inconsistency when you are accelerating. It is dangerous to drive your car when the acceleration is not reliable, and we recommend not driving your vehicle until it is fixed.

Won’t Shift at All:

If you can’t get your vehicle to shift into a specific gear, that’s a pretty sure indication of a failing torque converter. A completely failed torque converter can lock up your reverse or forward gears. However, there are many other reasons why a car won’t shift. Before replacing anything make sure to get it checked out. 

Noisy Transmission:

As a torque converter begins to fail, it is not uncommon for it to emit strange noises as it fails. Rattling is one sound you want to be aware of along with odd rattling noise when you accelerate. A whirring noise could also be a symptom of a bad torque converter.

Transmission Overheating:

The transmission heats up due to gear slipping which in return ends up heating the transmission fluid within the torque converter. A damaged torque converter seal that fluid leaks out can cause overheating and damage. 

Conclusion: 

Torque Converter problems can be avoided when you know the signs to be aware of. Taking immediate action if any of these symptoms are evident can save you a lot of expense. Call Eagle Transmission Repair in Mesquite for all your transmission needs.  Serving all of Dallas and surrounding areas