Can a bad torque converter cause vibration?

Vibration. Lockup torque converters were added to many newer-model vehicles to help with fuel economy. However, vibration problems can happen when these torque converters go bad. The vibration felt is known as "lockup shudder" and may occur due to a bad engine or transmission as well.

Click to see full answer

Just so, what are the symptoms of a bad torque converter?

Symptoms of Torque Converter Problems

Slipping. A torque converter can slip out of gear or delay a shift its fin or bearing is damaged.
Overheating.
Contaminated Transmission Fluid.
Shuddering.
Increased Stall Speed.
Unusual Sounds.

Also Know, what causes an automatic transmission to shudder? Shudders occur most often when shifting into overdrive or when in overdrive and going up a slight incline. This occurs because the transmission fluid is contaminated and the contaminates, being suspended in the fluid, prohibit good pressure contact between the transmission plates when they are applied.

Also know, what is a torque converter shudder?

The torque converter shudder is a brief shake in the vehicle whenever the internal clutches apply inside of the torque converter. They call this a lock up. Often this issue is misdiagnosed and sometimes will end up with the transmission needing to be rebuilt.

Can a torque converter cause rough idle?

Rough Idle is another common symptom. If you are feeling that your idle is a bit jumpy and sometimes too low and sometimes too high, it could be a problem with the torque converter. If the torque converter is faulty you can get a lot of different pressures inside of it, which will cause rough idle.

27 Related Question Answers Found

How do I test my torque converter?

Testing for Bad Torque Converters

Turn the ignition key and start up the engine. Wait for a few minutes for the engine to warm up, then gently press the accelerator twice and rev up the engine. Once it returns to its idle state, press the brake pedal all the way and shift into drive.

How do you flush a torque converter?

Flush the Torque Converter

Start the vehicle.
Place a funnel at the mouth of the transmission dipstick tube.
Move the transmission through each of the gears when about three quarters of the total fluid capacity of the transmission has been drained and replaced.

Can you drive with a bad torque converter?

Your car is shuddering: A faulty torque converter can cause a shudder just before or after it locks up at cruising speed. You might feel the car shudder while driving about 30 to 45 MPH. This can cause the engine to labor at highway speeds. A locked stator can also result in your transmission and engine overheating.

How much is a new torque converter?

Most auto repair shops will charge someone anywhere from $600 to $1000 for a torque converter replacement job. If you would rather do the replacement job yourself, then a new torque converter will cost anywhere from $150 to $500. The exact cost depends on the make and model of your vehicle.

Can a bad torque converter cause no movement?

Much more so than a bad torque converter. No Vehicle Movement in Gear– This can also can happen with a bad torque converter, no movement in gear is more likely to a transmission problem if there is fluid in the case. Typically, a transmission with low fluid won't provide movement because it's not getting enough fluid.

What happens when a torque converter locks up?

It allows the engine to turn at a lower RPM when the vehicle is traveling at higher speeds. However, when the engine turns more slowly it causes the torque converter to slip, creating heat. The solution is to lock the converter. Lock-up eliminates the slippage, which reduces heat and improves fuel economy.

Can you replace torque converter without replacing transmission?

Transmissions when replaced will always come with a replacement torque converter along with them. You can never really flush a torque converter in the shop well enough to prevent contamination from an old converter from getting into a rebulit or new transmission. So, they come with one.

What does the inside of a torque converter look like?

The pump section of the torque converter is attached to the housing. The fluid then enters the blades of the turbine, which is connected to the transmission. The turbine causes the transmission to spin, which basically moves your car. You can see in the graphic below that the blades of the turbine are curved.

Why do torque converters fail?

A torque converter (TC) can fail in several different situations: Since TCs are made of metal, they are welded together. These welds can fail (split or break) due to excess pressure or by a poor welding job. This is most easily noticed leaking transmission fluid.

What causes shuddering when accelerating?

Poorly installed, unbalanced or misaligned tires are the most common cause of the shuddering car. If you're lucky, the shuddering is merely a result of unbalanced or misaligned tires – a problem that's easily remedied by getting them balanced again.

What is shudder fix?

The original transmission shudder fix. A concentrated friction modifier formulated specifically for instantly eliminating torque converter lock-up shudder. Provides four times less wear than regular ATF. Safe for use in ALL automatic transmissions except Ford Type F, CVT, and DCT.

What does the torque converter do?

In brief, the torque converter is a type of fluid coupling, which allows the engine to spin somewhat independently of the transmission. It is responsible for pressurizing automatic transmission fluid, a pressurization that supplies the force necessary to shift transmission gears.

Does Lubegard shudder fix work?

system Do not exceed two 2oz.

Lubegard's Instant Shudder Fixx usually works instantly, however severe cases may take up to 20 miles to work in. Use Lubegard's ATF Protectant (Red) or Lubegard's Platinum High Performance ATF Protectant as longer-lasting solutions to fluid issues.

How do you know if your torque converter is bad?

When the torque converter starts malfunctioning, you may feel shuddering and even slipping in overdrive. You usually notice your car shuddering because it feels like it's vibrating. Your car will vibrate even when you're not going very fast. The shuddering makes the car lag and is very noticeable.

Can a torque converter make noise?

Your torque converter can make a variety of noises when it goes bad. You may first notice a whine, similar to a power-steering pump that is low on fluid. The stator within the assembly uses an overrun mechanism with a series of clutches that, when bad, can cause a rattling noise.

Why does my automatic car shudder when I take off?

If the vehicle shakes or the engine shudders a lot when stopped at a stoplight, or when parked with the engine idling, it might indicate the motor mounts or transmission mounts are damaged or broken. If the shaking decreases, it's a strong indicator the engine's motor mounts need to be inspected by a mechanic.

How do you completely drain an automatic transmission?

Disconnect the hose that returns the transmission fluid from the cooler and place the end into a bucket full of fresh transmission fluid. Start the car and run the transmission back and forth through the gears a few times until the fluid coming out of the transmission looks clean or you are nearly out of fresh fluid.