Located between the rear of the motor and the front of the transmission is the torque converter. The torque converter is in charge of transferring the engine’s torque and power to the transmission. To hinder slipping at specifically speeds (typically speeds over 40 mph) a lockup clutch located within the converter locks the engine’s output drive to the transmission’s input shaft to reach a 1:1 ratio – which means one hundred percent of the engine’s power is now going to the transmission.
The fluid pressure in which applies and releases the torque converter lockup clutch is monitored by the torque converter clutch solenoid. The opening and closing of the TCC solenoid valve are monitored by the powertrain control module (PCM), or transmission control module (TCM) subject to the vehicle make and model.
Signs: Failed in the Closed Position
A failing torque converter clutch solenoid (one in which fails in the closed position) might not be noticeable. Nevertheless, if you pay close attention to your fuel economy, you are going to see an increase in fuel usage since the engine and transmission aren’t locking up at highway speeds due to the faulty solenoid. Therefore, you have slippage, meaning the engine has to work harder. The more hard the engine has to work the more fuel it uses. Slipping also creates heat. Whenever a transmission starts getting overheated, some inside damage happens.
Signs: Failed in the Open Position
The signs are different from a torque converter clutch solenoid that fails in the open position… The symptoms of a torque converter clutch solenoid that fails when in the open position are a lot different from one that has a failure in the closed position, as aforementioned. Once the solenoid is open, the engine gets locked to the transmission, therefore, there isn’t any transmission slippage. Having the transmission incapable of slipping, the engine is going to stall
Replacement Cost
The cost to replace a failed transmission torque converter clutch solenoid is established, partly, by the vehicle’s make, model and year. Additional aspects, like where the work is carried out (local auto repair shop, vehicle dealership or you carry it out on your own) also factors heavily into the expense of the repair. If you decide to replace the solenoid on your own, the parts dealer you buy the solenoid from are going to factor into the total repair cost.
DIY expenses postulate the transmission fluid is going to be reused. Having the fluid replaced with new ATF increases the expense. ATF costs around five and ten dollars for each quart. You are going to need between three and five quarts.
Fail Safe (or Limp Mode)
An ineffective transmission solenoid or an open circuit anyplace in the electrical system could cause the transmission to fall into Fail-Safe (or “limp” mode as it is additionally known) in order to safeguard your transmission from interior impairment that might be caused by the flawed solenoid or opened circuit. When in fail-safe/limp mode, the transmission is going to have restricted functionality and is going to lock in either second or third. gear. When your transmission is in fail safe functionality, the vehicle should only be driven home or to a repair shop. Maximum speed when in limp mode is around thirty miles per hour.
Keeping driving the vehicle with your transmission in fail-safe or driving faster than the suggested fail-safe speed is going to cause the transmission to overheat. Too much heat build-up in an automatic transmission is the leading cause of cataclysmic failure. Therefore, avoid prolonged driving when the transmission is in fail-safe mode.
A transmission going into limp mode is going to oftentimes reset itself when the engine is off and then restarted. Therefore, if you find yourself in this situation, find a safe area to pull over and turn off the vehicle’s engine, wait a minute or two, then restart it.
Diagnosing Transmission Issues with NO Check Engine Light
A proper diagnosis of a transmission issue when there is no check engine light is best carried out with a professional transmission scanner. This kind of scan is going to require a trip to a transmission shop or vehicle dealership. A professional transmission scan could cost between sixty and one hundred and twenty-five dollars. This charge is typically known as a diagnostics fee. It is a standard practice for the shop making the repair to relinquish the fee.
Diagnosing an Impaired Transmission Solenoid with Check Engine Light ON
A failed transmission solenoid is going to typically set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC), and in turn, is going to cause the check engine light to come on. In these cases, an OBD-II scan of your vehicle’s computer is going to give information indicating the faulty solenoid. The code’s information is going to almost always include a statement showing that the problems could be an open circuit inside the transmissions electrical system. Consequently, you should additionally test the solenoid to verify its condition prior to having it replaced.
Roadrunner Converters Offers Many Torque Converter Replacements
Roadrunner Converters offers many torque converters for sale online. We offer GM Torque Converters, Ford Torque Converters, Diesel Torque Converters, Towing Torque Converters, Street Torque Converters and more.
