Torque Converter Inspection (Off-Vehicle)

IMPORTANT:
If the primary torque converter inspection procedure (on-vehicle), performed earlier, revealed either Green paint or no paint markings on the torque converter, the transaxle must be removed to permit a (off-vehicle) inspection and possible additional repairs. Transaxle removal procedures are contained in the following section. Once removal of the transaxle has been completed, it will then be necessary to identify and interpret the date and time ink stamping on the flex plate side of the torque converter (see arrow in illustration).

The date and time ink stamp contains nine (9) digits as illustrated below. The 1st through 3rd digits of the code indicate the Julian date of production (the numerical day of the year); the 4th digit indicates the specific production line the part ran on. The 5th digit indicates the calendar year (0=2000). The 6th - 9th digits indicate the part production time in hours and minutes using the 24-hour military clock.

Example: 33230 19:20

Date Time
Stamp Stamp

IMPORTANT:
Only torque converters stamped with date codes 332 and 333 are affected by this campaign. All torque converters with the 332 date code are affected. Additionally, torque converters with the 333 date code are affected only if the time stamp is before or equal to 10:00.

1. Remove transaxle assembly. Refer to "Transaxle Removal" procedure in this bulletin to remove transaxle.

2. Inspect date code and time stamp on torque converter for one of the following conditions.

^ If torque converter has a 332 date code with any time stamp, or the 333 date code with time stamp before or equal to 10:00 and the vehicle has 100 miles or less, then replace the torque converter and turbine shaft 0-ring. Continue to steps below for replacement.

1. Remove torque converter from transaxle.

2. Remove turbine shaft 0-ring from end of turbine shaft.

3. Refer to step 1 of "Transaxle Installation" procedure in this bulletin for torque converter and transaxle installation procedure.

^ If the torque converter has either the 332 date code or the 333 date code with time stamp before or equal to 10:00 and the vehicle has 100 miles or more, then replace the transaxle assembly and flush the transaxle cooler lines. Refer to step 3 of "Transaxle Installation" procedure in this bulletin for transaxle installation procedure.

IMPORTANT:
A replacement transaxle comes with a torque converter support shipping bracket that must be removed and transferred to the transaxle being returned.

^ If torque converter does not have one of the suspect date codes, no repairs are needed. Reinstall transaxle assembly back into vehicle. Refer to step 4 of "Transaxle Installation" procedure in this bulletin for transaxle installation procedure.