What are the symptoms of a bad automatic transmission torque converter?
As with most components the symptoms will depend on the nature of the failure. Noise coming from the front of the transmission that increases with engine speed is common. Engine RPM may also increase, relative to MPH when driving. Another symptom may be elevated transmission temperature and on newer vehicles a check engine light. A slight to moderate shudder in the vehicle, when going into lock up, may be converter related, but does not necessarily mean failure. Many people describe the feeling as similar to running over a rough patch in the road. Touching the brake pedal while it occurs will normally cause it to stop. Torque converter shudder can often be repaired by a proper transmission service.
