Replacing a torque converter means removing the transmission, because the converter sits between the engine and transmission inside the bellhousing. That makes labor most of the cost, roughly the same work as a transmission removal and installation. If the transmission itself is worn or being replaced, replace the converter at the same time; a converter from a failed transmission is full of debris that will contaminate the new unit.
When a torque converter needs replacing
- Shudder at light throttle around highway speed that points to the converter clutch; see torque converter shudder.
- Lockup problems and codes such as P0741; see torque converter lockup.
- Slipping, overheating fluid or poor acceleration from a stop.
- Whining or rattling noises from the bellhousing area.
- Any time the transmission has failed and shed debris.
Confirm it is the converter and not the transmission first; see is it the transmission or the torque converter? and bad torque converter symptoms.
What the job involves
- Remove the driveshaft or axles, crossmember, lines and wiring, then support and remove the transmission.
- Unbolt the converter from the flexplate and slide it off the input shaft.
- Inspect the flexplate for cracks and the transmission front seal and pump bushing.
- Fill the new converter with fluid as the service manual directs, then install it, making sure it engages fully with the pump.
- Refit the transmission, flush or replace the cooler, and refill to the correct level.
Seat the converter fully
The most common installation mistake is a converter that is not fully engaged with the transmission pump. As it slides on, it should drop in more than one stage; check the distance from the converter to the bellhousing face against the service manual before bolting the transmission to the engine. Pulling the two together with the bellhousing bolts can crack the pump.
New, remanufactured or upgraded
Replacement converters can be new, remanufactured or upgraded with stronger lockup clutches or a different stall speed. A higher stall speed suits modified engines and some towing; see what is a stall converter? Match the converter to the transmission, engine and use.
Replacing the transmission instead
If the transmission is also worn, a replacement unit supplied with a matched converter avoids doing the labor twice. Every Monster Transmission unit we list includes a torque converter, from the RoadReady 4L60E ($2,499.00) to the RoadReady 6R80 ($3,099.00); browse them on transmissions. For budgeting, see transmission replacement cost, and for the removal itself, how to install a transmission.
More guides: used vs rebuilt engines · transmission break-in · how long a torque converter lasts.
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