GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 ION 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transaxle - AF23-5 🢒 Torque Converter Diagnosis

The torque converter clutch (TCC) is applied by fluid pressure, which is controlled by the pressure control solenoid valve. The pressure control solenoid valve is located inside of the automatic transmission assembly. The pressure control solenoid valve is controlled through a combination of computer controlled switches and sensors.

Torque Converter Stator

The torque converter stator roller clutch can have two different malfunctions.

    • The stator assembly freewheels in both directions.
    • The stator assembly remains locked up at all times.

Poor Acceleration at Low Speed

If the stator is freewheeling at all times, the vehicle tends to have poor acceleration from a standstill. At speeds above 50-55 km/h (30-35 mph), the vehicle may act normally. For poor acceleration, you should first determine that the exhaust system is not restricted, and the transmission is in First gear when starting out.

If the engine freely accelerates to high RPM in NEUTRAL, you can assume that the engine and the exhaust system are normal. Check for poor performance in DRIVE and REVERSE to help determine if the stator is freewheeling at all times.

Poor Acceleration at High Speed

If the stator is locked up at all times, performance is normal when accelerating from a standstill. Engine RPM and vehicle speed are limited or restricted at high speeds. Visual examination of the torque converter may reveal a blue color from overheating.

If the torque converter has been removed, you can check the stator roller clutch by inserting a finger into the splined inner race of the roller clutch and trying to turn the race in both directions. You should be able to freely turn the inner race clockwise, but you should have difficulty in moving the inner race counterclockwise or you may be unable to move the race at all.

Noise

Important: Do not confuse this noise with pump whine noise, which is usually noticeable in PARK, NEUTRAL and all other gear ranges. Pump whine will vary with line pressure.

You may notice a torque converter whine when the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in DRIVE or REVERSE. This noise will increase as you increase the engine RPM. The noise will stop when the vehicle is moving or when you apply the torque converter clutch, because both halves of the converter are turning at the same speed.

Perform a stall test to make sure the noise is actually coming from the converter:

  1. Place your foot on the brake.
  2. Put the gear selector in DRIVE.

    3. Notice: You may damage the transmission if you depress the accelerator for more than 6 seconds.

  3. Depress the accelerator to approximately 1,200 RPM for no more than six seconds.

A torque converter noise will increase under this load.

Torque Converter Clutch Shudder

The key to diagnosing torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder is to note when it happens and under what conditions.

TCC shudder which is caused by the transmission should only occur during the apply or the release of the converter clutch. Shudder should never occur after the TCC plate is fully applied.

If Shudder Occurs During TCC Apply or Release

If the shudder occurs while the TCC is applying, the problem can be within the transmission or the torque converter. Something is causing one of the following conditions to occur:

    • Something is not allowing the clutch to become fully engaged.
    • Something is not allowing the clutch to release.
    • The clutch is releasing and applying at the same time.

One of the following conditions may be causing the problem to occur:

    • A restricted release orifice
    • Defective friction material on the TCC plate

If Shudder Occurs After TCC has Applied

If shudder occurs after the TCC has applied, most of the time there is nothing wrong with the transmission.

The TCC is not likely to slip after the TCC has been applied. Engine problems may go unnoticed under light throttle and load, but they become noticeable after the TCC apply when going up a hill or accelerating. This is due to the mechanical coupling between the engine and the transmission.

Once the TCC is applied, there is no torque converter fluid coupling assistance. Engine or driveline vibrations could be unnoticeable before TCC engagement.

Inspect the following components in order to avoid misdiagnosis of TCC shudder. An inspection will also avoid the unnecessary disassembly of a transmission or the unnecessary replacement of a torque converter.

    • Spark plugs
        Inspect for improper gap, cracks, high resistance or a broken insulator.
    • Ignition coil
        Look for a white discoloration or bulls eye marks on the coil. This indicates arcing while the engine is misfiring.
    • Fuel injector
        There may be an intermittent internal electrical short.
    • Engine mounts
        Vibration from loose or weak mounts can be multiplied by TCC engagement.
    • Axle joints
        Check for proper installation, wear and/or damage.

Replace the torque converter if any of the following conditions exist:

    • External leaks appear in the hub weld area.
    • The converter hub is scored or damaged.
    • The converter pilot is broken, damaged, or fits poorly into the crankshaft.
    • You discover steel particles after flushing the cooler and the cooler lines.
    • The pump is damaged, or you discover steel particles in the converter.
    • The vehicle has TCC shudder and/or no TCC apply. Replace the torque converter only after all hydraulic and electrical diagnoses have been made. The converter clutch material may be glazed.
    • The converter has an imbalance which cannot be corrected. Refer to Flexplate/Torque Converter Vibration Test .
    • The ATF is contaminated with engine coolant.
    • An internal failure occurs in the stator roller clutch.
    • Overheating produced heavy debris from clutch material.
    • You discover steel particles or clutch lining material in the fluid filter or on the magnet, when no internal parts in the unit are worn or damaged. This condition indicates that lining material came from the converter.

Do not replace the torque converter if you discover any of the following symptoms:

    • The fluid has an odor or the fluid is discolored, even though metal or clutch facing particles are not present.
    • Transmission failure did not display evidence of damaged or worn internal parts, steel particles or clutch plate lining material in the unit and inside the fluid filter.
    • The vehicle has been exposed to high mileage only. An exception may exist where the lining of the torque converter clutch dampener plate has seen excess wear by vehicles operated in heavy and/or constant traffic, such as taxi, delivery, or police use.