Torque Converter Contamination Inspection

Torque Converter Contamination Inspection





CAUTION: Do not use water-based cleaners or mineral spirits to clean or flush the torque converter or transmission damage will occur. Use only clean automatic transmission fluid designated for the transmission and converter being serviced.

1. If a new or remanufactured torque converter is not being installed, the following steps must be completed.
2. With the torque converter on a bench, pour a small amount of transmission fluid from the torque converter onto an absorbent white tissue or through a paper filter and examine the fluid.
3. Observe the color and odor of the fluid. The fluid should be red, not brown or black. Odor may indicate an overheating condition such as clutch disc or band failure.
4. Examine the stain on the tissue for evidence of particles (spec of any kind). If particles are present in the fluid, a new torque converter must be installed.
5. If there are no particles or contamination present, drain the remainder of the transmission fluid from the torque converter.
6. Add 1.9L (2 qt) of clean automatic transmission fluid into the converter and agitate by hand.
7. Thoroughly drain the fluid.