Torque Converter

Torque Converter
The torque converter is a 4 element assembly. The torque converter contains an impeller, a turbine, a reactor and a torque converter clutch (TCC) for increased fuel economy. It couples the engine to the turbine shaft assembly, provides torque multiplication and absorbs engine shock of gear shifting.

The lock-up temperature for the torque converter is based upon initial transmission fluid temperature (TFT) at key on. If the TFT reads below 16°C (60°F), the converter will lock-up at 16°C (60°F). If the initial TFT reads 16°C (61°F), the converter will lock-up at 21°C (70°F). This warm-up phase continues until approximately 32°C (90°F), at which temperature the converter lock-up is available immediately.

At high temperatures, the converter lock-up is delayed to avoid conditions which might cause shudder. Delayed converter lock-up begins at 80°C (175°F).

Impeller and Cover
The impeller and cover assembly drives the impeller blades and pump assembly. The impeller is primarily responsible for driving the turbine with hydraulic fluid by means of centrifugal force. The cover provides a mating surface for the torque converter clutch piston plate and dampener assembly.

Turbine
The turbine is driven by centrifugal fluid force from the impeller. The turbine transmits input torque to the drive chain and driven sprocket through the turbine shaft.

Reactor
The reactor redirects fluid flow from the turbine back to the impeller so that fluid rotates in the same direction as the impeller. This action also assists in torque multiplication.

Torque Converter Clutch (TCC)
The TCC provides a mechanical link or direct drive between the engine crankshaft and turbine shaft when applied. The application of the TCC is controlled by the PCM. Under certain conditions, the PCM sends the appropriate signal to the TCC solenoid, which allows fluid pressure within the torque converter to force the TCC piston plate and dampener assembly against the cover creating a mechanical link between the engine and transaxle called torque converter lock-up.

Lock-up temperature for the torque converter is based on initial TFT with the key in the ON position. If the TFT reads below 16°C (60°F), the torque converter will lock at 16°C (60°F). If initial TFT is 17°C (63°F) the torque converter will lock at 21°C (70°F). This "warm-up" phase continues until the TFT is approximately 32°C (90°F), at which temperature converter lock-up is available immediately.

At high temperatures, torque converter lock-up is delayed to avoid conditions which might cause a shudder. Delayed torque converter lock-up begins at 79°C (175°F).

Turbine Shaft
The turbine shaft connects the torque converter stator with the forward/coast/direct clutch cylinder. When applied, the forward/coast/direct clutch cylinder transmits input torque to the reverse/overdrive ring gear assembly, which also acts as the drive sprocket. This allows input torque to be transmitted from the torque converter to the drive chain and driven sprocket.