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. Refer to Flexplate/Torque Converter Vibration Test (8.1L)  or Flexplate/Torque Converter Vibration Test (6.6L) .
• The converter is contaminated with engine coolant which contains antifreeze.
• An internal failure occurs in the stator race.
• Overheating produces heavy debris in the clutch.
• You discover steel particles or clutch lining material in the control main filter or suction filter, or on the magnets, 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 holes are damaged. Correct the condition with a new thread insert.
• Transmission failure did not display evidence of damaged or worn internal parts, steel particles or clutch plate lining material in the unit and in the control main filter or suction filter.