Torque Converter Evaluation and Diagnosis

Replace the torque converter if any of the following conditions exist:

• External leaks appear in the hub weld area.
• The converter hub is scored or damaged.
• The converter pilot is broken, damaged or fits poorly into the crankshaft.
• You discover steel particles after flushing the cooler and the cooler lines.
• The pump is damaged or you discover steel particles in the converter.
• The vehicle has TCC shudder and/or no TCC apply. Replace the torque converter only after all hydraulic and electrical diagnoses have been made. The converter clutch material may be glazed.
• The converter has an imbalance which cannot be corrected.
• The converter is contaminated with engine coolant which contains antifreeze.
• An internal failure occurs in the stator roller clutch.
• You notice excessive end play.
• Overheating produces heavy debris in the clutch.
• You discover steel particles or clutch lining material in the fluid filter or on the magnet, when no internal parts in the unit are worn or damaged. This condition indicates that lining material came from the converter.

Do not replace the torque converter if you discover any of the following symptoms:

• The oil has an odor or the oil is discolored, even though metal or clutch facing particles are not present.
• The threads in one or more of the converter bolt holds are damaged. Correct the condition with a new thread inset.
• Transmission failure did not display evidence of damaged or worn internal parts, steel particles or clutch plate lining material in the unit and inside the fluid filter.
  • If the vehicle has been exposed to high mileage only. An exception may exist where the lining of the torque converter clutch dampener plate has seen excess wear by vehicles operated in heavy and/or constant traffic, such as taxi, delivery or police use.