Automatic transmissions are on the roads thanks to torque converters. Without them, we’d have to rely on a stick shift to keep the engine going. Ensuring all your torque converter parts are working is key to maintaining a healthy vehicle. Unfortunately, even those can act up sometimes, and that may be why your vehicle is malfunctioning. Here are the signs to watch out for.
Dirty Fluid
Time to look under the hood. Check your transmission fluid for black spots. If they’re there, that usually indicates an issue with your transmission or torque converter clutches. Don’t know how to check the transmission fluid? It’s similar to checking your oil. First, let your car run for a few minutes. While it’s still on, look for the transmission dipstick (near your oil) and wipe it on a towel. This is where you check the color. It’s recommended that you check your transmission fluid frequently, just as you would your tires or your oil.
Overheating
When your car overheats, it could indicate decreasing fluid pressure. That means a slipping transmission and damage to your torque converter parts. This goes hand-in-hand with your fluid, too. When your parts malfunction, it can create friction, leading to heat and dirty fluid.
Shuddering
Going straight on a flat road, but feel like you’re going over bumps? That’s called “shuddering,” and it happens when you’re going between 30 to 45 miles per hour. Shuddering comes at random times, so it’s important to take your car to the shop as soon as you experience it. It’s a key warning sign of a problem with your torque converter. To know more, click here.
Slipping
Torque converters are what help your car automatically shift up gears to go faster. “Slipping” is when you’re pressing the gas pedal and the car isn’t going as fast as it should. It can mean there’s too much (or not enough) fluid going through your converter. That’s a more difficult issue to fix.
If you recognize any of these signs in your car, it may be time to head to the shop to let a professional check out your torque converter parts.
