Modern automatic transmission cars do most of the work for you. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or winding through city streets, you don’t have to worry about shifting gears as you speed up and slow down in an automatic transmission vehicle. This is because you have the team of the engine, torque converter, transmission, and electronic control modules to handle power generation, gear shifts, and power transfer for you.
Because they work so closely with one another, you may be confused as to whether you’ll need a torque converter repair or transmission repair when you notice certain symptoms while driving.
Torque Converter vs Transmission: What Do They Each Do?
Your car’s torque converter and transmission work together to facilitate gear shifts and send power from the engine out to the drive wheels. Whereas in a manual transmission car, the driver controls gear shifts via the clutch, this function is carried out without driver input in automatic transmission vehicles.
The Transmission Transfers Power from the Engine to the Wheels
Ultimately, the function of your car’s transmission is to transfer power generated in the engine out to the drive wheels. It does this by facilitating gear changes when a signal is received from the control module and transmission pressure is adjusted by the torque converter. The gears themselves are housed within the transmission.
The Torque Converter Acts Like a Clutch
Whereas manual transmission vehicles have a clutch to help facilitate gear shifts, most modern automatic transmission vehicles have a torque converter in place of a clutch. It sits between the engine and transmission and adjusts pressure in the transmission to allow gear shifts to happen. It also allows the engine and transmission to move independently of one another.
How Can You Tell You’re Due for a Transmission Repair?
Most transmission problems are an indication you’ll need a transmission repair rather than a torque converter repair. However, both can present similar symptoms, so it’s always best to have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission and torque converter to ensure the right repairs are done. When you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your car to a mechanic.
Slipping Gears
Does it feel like your car suddenly slips out of gear sometimes? This can feel like sudden hesitation while driving an automatic transmission. If so, you may be dealing with transmission slipping, which can mean you need new transmission fluid or another transmission repair. This transmission problem will only continue to get worse until diagnosed by a mechanic.
Grinding or Shaking During Gear Shifts
When you hear grinding or notice your car shaking when shifting gears, it’s a good indication that there’s difficulty getting your transmission’s gears to engage properly. This could be due to a problem with transmission fluid, incorrect pressure, or several other transmission problems.
Burning Smell
You never want to smell burning while driving your car. One possibility is that it’s coming from your transmission. This could be a result of low or dirty transmission fluid causing excess friction while your transmission is operating, meaning your transmission is likely overheating.
Transmission Fluid Leak
When you pull out of a parking spot, do you see fluid drips? It can be tricky to diagnose which fluid is leaking from your car without consulting a trusted mechanic, but one possibility is leaking transmission fluid. If you notice signs of a leak alongside any of the above symptoms, it’s likely time to schedule a transmission repair.
When Might You Need a Torque Converter Repair?
Though they work closely with one another, the transmission and torque converter can present some different symptoms when repairs are needed. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have a faulty torque converter rather than transmission problems:
- Engine stalling when slowing down or idling
- Lurching or jerking during gear shifts
- Excessive vibration when idling
- Dark or dirty transmission fluid
- A burning smell
Typically, rather than repairing a faulty torque converter, your mechanic will simply replace it. Often, this is the most cost-effective option, though it still may not be cheap. Keep both your transmission and torque converter healthy longer by keeping up with regular transmission fluid services and being mindful of your driving habits.
The Best Transmission Repair in Minnesota is at Your Local AAMCO
Worried about your car’s transmission or torque converter? You can trust the transmission experts at your local AAMCO Minnesota with any repair service your car may need. Give us a call today or easily schedule your appointment online.