Converter Diagnosis

If the stator roller clutch becomes ineffective, the stator assembly freewheels at all times in both directions. With this condition, the vehicle will tend to have poor acceleration from a standstill. At speeds exceeding 48-56 mph, the vehicle may operate normally. If poor acceleration problems are noted, it should first be determined that the exhaust system is not restricted, the engine is operating properly and the transmission is in first gear. If the engine accelerates freely to high RPM in N, the engine and exhaust system are operating properly.

If the stator assembly remains locked at all times, engine RPM and vehicle speed will tend to be limited or restricted at high speed. Vehicle performance when accelerating from a standstill will be normal, but engine overheating may be noted. Visual inspection of the converter may reveal a blue color from overheating. If the converter has been removed from the transmission, the stator roller clutch can be checked by inserting a finger into the splined inner race of the roller clutch and trying to turn the race in both directions.

The inner race should turn freely in a clockwise direction, but not in a counterclockwise direction.