What is a torque conversion? How does the torque converter function? What are the symptoms for a failed torque converter? What is a locked torque convert?
What is Torque Converter?
The torque converter, which is an integral part of automatic transmission vehicles, uses a fluid connection to transfer the torque from the engine to the transmission. This ensures that the engine can continue to work even when the vehicle is stopped.
You may have experienced driving a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. If so, you will know that the clutch system acts as the link between engine and transmission. The clutch system is essential for driving or stopping a vehicle. The clutch system for automatic transmission vehicles does not separate the engine and transmission. Instead, there is a beautiful piece called a “torque converter” When it is being used. The torque converter is usually out of sight and mind. This can lead to problems later.
What is Torque?
Let’s talk briefly about torque before we get into the details of the torque converter. Simply put, torque is the energy that you release when you bend something. As children, we used wind-up toys to make our cars move after applying torque force.
The crankshaft produces torque when the engine is turned. This allows the vehicle’s acceleration. The engine will produce more torque, which means the car will accelerate faster. The engine’s torque converter multiplies this power and transfers it to the transmission. The transmission of this torque to the wheels via the gearbox increases vehicle speed and traction.
Torque Converter Structure & Operation Logic
One side of a torque converter is connected to the transmission’s input shaft. The other end is connected to the engine’s flywheel. It continues to rotate in the converter at the speed it is at, no matter how fast the motor is moving.
The main components of the torque converter are five. These include the impeller, cover, turbine, stator, and transmission fluid.
An impeller is a piece of metal with curved blades. It looks similar to a propeller. “pump” . This part is connected with the crankshaft and rotates in tandem. As the impeller spins, the centrifugal force creates friction between the blades of the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid moves at a faster rate the faster the impeller spins.
Transmission fluid, which is a fluid that moves in conjunction with the impeller’s rotation, moves towards its turbine. A force must be applied to any object that is moving in order for it to change its direction. Any object that is exerting the force must feel it, but in the opposite direction. The turbine causes the transmission liquid to change its direction. However, the turbine causes it to turn. The turbine’s output shaft also acts as the input shaft, which drives the gearbox. The transmission fluid then flows to the turbine’s center.
Here is where the stator steps in. The stator can be found in the middle of both the impeller/turbine and at the center the converter. The stator directs the fluid that returns from the turbine to the impeller. This increases the efficiency of a torque converter’s operation. The stator’s blade-sharp, specially angled blades are designed to reverse the direction of transmission fluid when it flows towards the centre. Transmission fluid that flows in the opposite direction to the impeller will cause the engine to slow down and lose power. The transmission has a one-way clutch that connects to the stator. It can only rotate in one direction, so the fluid hitting its blades will change the direction.
The torque converter operates in three stages: Stop, Acceleration, and Equalization.
The impeller will continue to rotate when the motor is stopped. Because the motor rotates at a slower speed, the torque passing through the converter decreases. When the transmission is in “D” If the vehicle is in an impassable position, it will still be able to move, so we apply the brakes.
The torque boost comes in when acceleration is achieved. As the engine speed increases the impeller spins faster and the turbine accelerates. The impeller always moves ahead of the turbine.
When the vehicle travels at around 65 km/h the rotational speeds between the turbine and impeller are nearly equal. Equalization is when the transmission fluid flows in the same direction and slows down. This stage renders the stator almost useless.
The stator has one of the most important tasks: to improve the efficiency of the torque convertor. The stator redirects the fluid from turbine to collect all motion energy. This causes the vehicle to accelerate further by increasing the torque.
This is the basic structure of the torque converter. However, modern cars have begun to use a lockup torque converter.
What is a Locked Torque converter?
Before the invention of lock-up clutches, energy losses in power transmission from engine to transmission were normal. The transmission loss between the turbine and the impeller caused less energy to reach the gearbox and so the wheels. To prevent this loss, torque converters that were locked were developed. These converters are used to lock the impeller and turbine together with a clutch plate when the transmission detects engine RPM or speed. This allows for better efficiency and energy.
What Are the Symptoms of Torque Converter Malfunction
You’ll notice the following symptoms if your vehicle’s torque convert fails.
Check engine light
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is used to monitor modern vehicles’ operation of the converter. The TCM will light up the check engine and generate a malfunction code if it detects any problem with the converter’s circuitry or the converter itself. A separate warning light for the transmission may be displayed on some vehicles.
Shake
Torque converter clutch vibrations before or after locking are one of the most common symptoms. Transmission vibrations can occur at different speeds depending on which converter technology is used.
Do not stop
The vehicle could stall if the torque converter clutch isn’t released. Converter failures can cause the vehicle to stall, just as with manual vehicles.
Overheating Transmission and Engine
The engine coolant can overheat if the converter or stator clutch is not released. It can also cause transmission fluid overheating, and possibly internal transmission damage.
Abnormal sounds
The torque converter’s bearings can wear, creating a spinning sound that is related to engine speed. This noise is most common when the transmission has been in gear. The noise disappears when the gear shifts to neutral. The “N” position.
Engine Performance Problems
Failing torque converters can lead to engine problems. A faulty torque converter can cause problems with engine performance, such as a poor acceleration after stopping or a lack of power on the highway.
Important things to be aware of
A bad torque converter can cause the transmission to heat up, causing internal damage. The converter can become a hazard to the transmission, causing more problems.
Expert, professional services are recommended if you prefer to have the torque converter fixed rather than replaced. To replace the converter, you must remove the transmission. The repair work is not possible at all. It is best to replace the converter with a brand new one.
Most fault codes relating to the torque converter clutch are caused by it. There is very little chance of other fault codes forming in the converter.
