GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Torque Converter Replacement Guide

Condition

Action

Fluid

  • Transmission Fluid Oxidized/Discolored
   • 

No metal debris

   • 

Clutch fiber material

Do not Replace Torque Converter

Refer to Transmission Fluid Check

  • Transmission Fluid Contaminated with engine coolant/oil

Replace Torque Converter

  • Transmission Fluid Contaminated with sludge/metal particles
    • Replace Torque Converter if:
       - Pump Damage
       - Drive sprocket support damage
       - Turbine/stator shaft damage
       - No damage found in transmission
    • Do not replace Torque Converter for other transmission component damage
  • Fluid Leaks From Torque Converter
    • Perform powder/dye leak check
        Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis
    • Replace Torque Converter if:
       - Leak present at weld areas
       - (hub, lug, or closure weld)
       - Hub surface is damaged
       - (scored, raised/transferred metal)
       - Bushing is damaged

Function/Appearance

  • Torque Converter Discolored/Overheated

Replace Torque Converter

  • Broken /Cracked Flexplate

Replace Torque Converter

  • Stripped Converter Bolt Hole(s)

Replace Torque Converter

  • Torque Converter Pilot Damaged

Replace Torque Converter

  • Torque Converter Ballooning

Replace Torque Converter if end play exceeds 0.7mm using End Play Checking Tool #J35138

Driveability - non TCC

  • Harsh Gear Shifts (non TCC)

Do not Replace Torque Converter

Refer to Symptom Diagnosis.

  • No Drive/Slips in Drive (non TCC)

Do not Replace Torque Converter until completing all engine and transmission diagnostics

Refer to Slips in Drive or No Drive

  • Idle Surge/Rough Idle

Do not Replace Torque Converter

Refer to Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling in Engine Controls 3.8 L

  • Poor Acceleration
   • 

launch

   • 

above 30 MPH

Do not Replace Torque Converter until completing all engine and transmission diagnostics

    • Refer to Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess in Engine Controls 3.8 L.
    • Refer to Hesitation, Sag, Stumble in Engine Controls 3.8 L.
    • Refer to Symptom Diagnosis
  • DTC P0741 (TCC stuck OFF/high slip)Intermittent only

Do not Replace Torque Converter

Refer to DTC P0741 diagnostic table

  • DTC P0741 (TCC stuck OFF/high slip)

Refer to DTC P0741 diagnostic table

  • DTC P0742 (TCC stuck ON)

Do not Replace Torque Converter

Refer to DTC P0742 diagnostic table

  • DTC P1870 (Transmission Slipping)

Refer to DTC P1870 diagnostic table

  • DTC P1887 (TCC release switch)

Do not Replace Torque Converter

Refer to DTC P1887 diagnostic table

  • TCC Apply/Release Shudder

Refer to Converter Clutch Apply Rough, Slips, or Shudders

  • TCC Chuggle
    • Refer to Symptoms--Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical 3.8 L.
    • Refer to Surges/Chuggles in Engine Controls 3.8 L.
    • Refer to Symptom Diagnosis

Noise and Vibration

  • Noise - Whine
    • Refer to Symptom Diagnosis
    • Do not Replace Torque Converter if:
        Noise present in Neutral/Park
        Refer to Symptoms--Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical 3.8 L.
  • Vibration-Out of Balance
    • Refer to Vibration Analysis-Engine