Torque Converter Operation Concern: Cycling/Shudder/Chatter

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

TORQUE CONVERTER OPERATION CONCERN: CYCLING/SHUDDER/CHATTER

Possible Component	Reference/Action
242 - ROUTINE
Powertrain Control System
PCM, vehicle wiring harnesses, Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid	Carry out on-board diagnostic tests. For additional information, See INTRODUCTION - GASOLINE article for diagnosis and testing of the PCM. GO to PINPOINT TEST A . Repair as necessary. Clear DTCs, road test and rerun on-board diagnostic test.
Fluid
Condition-contaminated, degraded	Carry out Fluid Condition Check. Refer to PRELIMINARY INSPECTION in this article. If contaminated, locate source of contamination. If burnt, inspect mechanical bands, clutches. Repair as necessary. Change fluid. Carry out drain and refill procedure. Refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL - WITHOUT TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN PLUG in this article. Carry out fluid cooler and torque converter cleaning procedure. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING in this article.
Main Control
Screws not tightened to specification	Tighten to specification.
Separator plate damaged	Inspect for damage. If damaged, install a new separator plate.
Contamination	Disassemble and clean.
Valve, springs damaged, misassembled, missing, stuck or bore damaged	If damaged or parts are missing, install new main control assembly. If misassembled, reassemble correctly. DO NOT stone, file or sand valves. This will remove the anodized finish and may result in further main control or transmission damage.
Filter damaged, missing	Inspect for damage, repair as necessary.
Torque Converter Assembly
Torque converter internal leakage, clutch material damaged	Remove the transmission. Inspect for damage. Refer to TORQUE CONVERTER in the General Procedures portion of this article. If the torque converter fails to pass the criteria or is damaged, install a new or remanufactured torque converter.