Symptoms of Too Low Stall Torque Converter - Need Help!

Technical Discussions
1

I’m experiencing some issues with my car, and I suspect it might be related to the stall torque converter. I’ve noticed a few symptoms that are making me think something’s off:

Symptoms I’m Experiencing:

  • Poor Acceleration: It feels like the car is lagging when I step on the gas.
  • Engine Stalling: Sometimes the engine just turns off, especially when coming to a stop or when accelerating from a standstill.
  • Slipping: There are moments when the car seems to slip instead of gaining speed.

Troubleshooting Steps I’ve Taken:

  • Checked the transmission fluid level – it’s good but might need a change.
  • Looked for any leaks under the car and haven’t found anything.
  • Tried driving in different conditions (smooth roads vs. hilly) to see if it changes anything, but the symptoms persist.

Questions:

  1. Have any of you experienced similar issues?
  2. What could be the potential causes, and how do I go about diagnosing them?
  3. Is this a commonly faced problem in torque converters, or am I looking at a more serious issue?

Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!

4 Likes
2

I’ve noticed that poor acceleration is often the first sign of a stall torque converter not functioning well. The car just seems sluggish, especially when you first start driving.

8 Likes
3

Absolutely! I experienced the same issue. My car would lurch slightly when accelerating, making me worry about bigger issues.

4

Another symptom is engine stalling, especially when idling. If the engine seems to die out unexpectedly, it’s worth looking into the torque converter.

5

Yes, stalling is serious! And sometimes you might even hear weird noises before it happens, right?

6

I’ve also noticed unusual shifting patterns in my vehicle. Sometimes it shifts hard, and other times, it seems to hesitate. It’s frustrating!

7

Totally agree! My car does this weird ‘jumpy’ thing during shifts. I’m starting to think it’s all linked to the torque converter.

8

If you notice your RPMs aren’t matching your speed, it could also be a sign. My tachometer was behaving oddly before I realized something was wrong.

8 Likes
9

Good point! It’s such a crucial indicator. I can’t believe I overlooked that!

10

Sometimes I wonder, can a low stall torque converter also affect fuel efficiency? Mine’s been pretty bad lately, and I can’t help but think there’s a connection.

5 Likes
11

I think it can! If the engine is working harder due to torque converter issues, it’s bound to use more gas.

12

Has anyone experienced a burning smell? I had that once, and it was terrifying! Turns out it was related to my torque converter.

13

Yikes! That’s a clear sign something’s off. Hopefully, it wasn’t too serious!

14

I feel like diagnosing torque converter issues can be like playing detective. So many signs to piece together! Has anyone found a solid checklist?

15

I’ve been experiencing low stall torque converter issues too! It started after I noticed the engine struggling to reach its peak RPM. Has anyone checked engine performance metrics?

16

You might want to look into the transmission fluid levels as well. Low or dirty fluid can lead to performance issues.

17

Exactly, paulsnow! I recently had my fluid changed, and it made a noticeable difference in my torque converter’s responsiveness.

18

Don’t forget to evaluate the mechanical components of the torque converter itself. Worn-out bearings can cause slippage too.

19

Great point! How do we test them? Is there a specific tool required to check for mechanical wear?

20

You can use a dial indicator to measure runout on the torque converter hub. It’s a simple tool but effective!