Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Torque Converter
The torque converter transmits and multiplies torque. The torque converter is a 4-element device:
- Impeller and cover assembly
- Turbine
- Reactor
- Clutch and damper assembly
Rotation of the torque converter housing and impeller set the transmission fluid in motion by driving the impeller blades and pump.
The turbine is driven by the transmission fluid from the impeller and transmits power to the input shaft.
The reactor redirects transmission fluid flow returned from the turbine to the impeller so that it rotates in the same direction as the impeller. This action assists in torque multiplication.
The reactor has a One-Way Clutch (OWC) to hold it stationary during torque multiplication and allows it to rotate at higher vehicle speeds.
Torque Converter Operation
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) |
| 2 | Reactor |
| 3 | Turbine |
| 4 | Impeller and cover assembly |
| 5 | One-Way Clutch (OWC) |
| 6 | Fluid motion |
| 7 | Input shaft rotation |
| 8 | Input shaft |
| 9 | Engine rotation |
The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) connects the torque converter housing to the damper when the TCC is applied.
During TCC release, the direction that the transmission fluid flows through the torque converter allows the TCC to release. During TCC apply, the transmission fluid flows in the opposite direction to apply the TCC .
The PCM controls TCC operation using the TCC solenoid in the solenoid body. TCC solenoid operation provides the modulation of hydraulic pressure to change the position of the TCC control valve and TCC regulator apply valve which changes the pressure and transmission fluid direction in the torque converter.
The TCC can be applied in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gears.
Torque Converter Internal Component Exploded View
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Impeller and cover assembly |
| 2 | Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) and damper assembly |
| 3 | Turbine |
| 4 | Reactor |
| 5 | One-Way Clutch (OWC) |
| 6 | Thrust bearings |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.