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Mechanical Torque Converter Explained in Less Than 300 Words

Never heard of a mechanical torque converter? You’re not alone. However, it plays a crucial role in keeping your car running. Here, we’ll briefly sum up what it does for your car and why you should care about its health.

Related: What To Do When Your Car Won’t Start
Related: What Happens If You Use the Wrong Gas Type?

What Does a Mechanical Torque Converter Do?

Simply put, the mechanical torque converter in your automatic transmission is what a clutch is in a manual transmission. The mechanical torque converter uses fluid to transmit power from the engine to the transmission, allowing your transmission to change gears without stalling the engine. Compare it to pressing the clutch pedal while changing gears or stopping your manual transmission car and you have some idea of its function.

How Does it Work?

Picture a metal donut filled with fluid and you just about have the image of your mechanical torque converter. The speed at which the fluid in your torque converter moves directly correlates to how much power is being transmitted to the transmission. The fluid is effectively flung by a pump to outer fins of the torque converter to speed up its movement.

What if Your Mechanical Torque Converter Fails?

If your torque converter, or enough parts within it, become over-worn or fail, you may start running into real trouble. The most common issue is overheating from excessive slipping, which can then lead to worn seals allowing transmission fluid to leak. Losing enough transmission fluid can lead to more overheating and extra wear on internal parts of your transmission.

Need a Transmission Repair in Colorado? Come to AAMCO!

Whether your mechanical torque converter or any other part of your transmission is giving you trouble, our transmission experts are here to help get you back on the road.

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