2016 Ford Focus - Torque Converter

What is a Torque Converter?

A torque converter is a fluid coupling in vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions that allow a transfer of power from the engine to the transmission. Torque converters transfer increased torque to the transmission as a vehicle accelerates, and isolate an engine's rotation from the transmission as a vehicle slows to a stop, or when the transmission is shifted to Park or Neutral. This prevents the engine from stalling while the transmission is stopped by reducing engine load and allowing it to idle. Torque converters are filled with transmission fluid which expands outward due to the centrifugal force of the converter's rotation to lock the splines of the converter and transfer power. Over time, torque converter seals can wear out, and their housings can crack, which may cause transmission fluid leaks. The torque converter may also fail internally and require more pressure to activate or can stick and fail to deactivate. Transmission fluid levels that are low, or contaminated fluid, can cause the transmission to overheat due to increased friction inside the transmission. A lack of transmission fluid can also prevent the torque converter from receiving the fluid necessary to lock up. If your torque converter itself is failing, you may experience unusual engine noise, shuddering, trouble shifting or accelerating from a stop, or transmission slipping. Significant amounts of black material or a burnt smell from your transmission fluid may also be a sign that you need a new torque converter, but it is important to inspect the transmission thoroughly to ensure other internal damage has not occurred. At O'Reilly Auto Parts, we carry torque converters and other transmission repair parts for most vehicles to help you make a complete repair and get you back on the road.