Torque Converter?
Discussion
Someone I know suffered a lack of engine oil moment in their 13 year old auto Celica.
The engine has been replaced, but there is something up in the drivetrain. If you get the wheels off the ground and stick it in drive, the wheels spin. Put it on the ground and the car won't move. I'm guessing the torque converter isn't working, but I really know very little about them. Anyone got any ideas what could be up and is it likely to be fixable? I already suggested that being a viscous coupling it probably needs filling with oil of some description...
The engine has been replaced, but there is something up in the drivetrain. If you get the wheels off the ground and stick it in drive, the wheels spin. Put it on the ground and the car won't move. I'm guessing the torque converter isn't working, but I really know very little about them. Anyone got any ideas what could be up and is it likely to be fixable? I already suggested that being a viscous coupling it probably needs filling with oil of some description...
A torque convertor will still transmit power even at idle. It wont be enough to move the car but it will spin the wheels if you lift it off the ground.
Even a manual car will spin a wheel if you jack it up due to the viscosity of the oil in the gearbox making a connection strong enough.
As long as the car doesnt move when its on the floor at idle, there isnt a problem iirc
Even a manual car will spin a wheel if you jack it up due to the viscosity of the oil in the gearbox making a connection strong enough.
As long as the car doesnt move when its on the floor at idle, there isnt a problem iirc
Sorry should have made that a bit clearer. If you put the wheels in the air, they spin when its in drive. Accelerate and they spin faster.
The car won't move at all when its on the ground.
Stick it in drive, accelerate and the engine revs but you don't move.
The only automatic that I've driven would move along by itself even at idle though, unless you put your foot on the brake.
The car won't move at all when its on the ground.
Stick it in drive, accelerate and the engine revs but you don't move.
The only automatic that I've driven would move along by itself even at idle though, unless you put your foot on the brake.
Well, seeing as he allowed the engine to run out of oil, I would suggest checking the oil level in the transmission. An automatic will not transmit any significant power without enough oil.
If the oil is topped up, smell it, if it's burnt smelling, then it's likely there are bigger problems inside. If not... I'm not sure, to be honest.
Gary
If the oil is topped up, smell it, if it's burnt smelling, then it's likely there are bigger problems inside. If not... I'm not sure, to be honest.
Gary
gary_tholl said:
Well, seeing as he allowed the engine to run out of oil, I would suggest checking the oil level in the transmission. An automatic will not transmit any significant power without enough oil.
If the oil is topped up, smell it, if it's burnt smelling, then it's likely there are bigger problems inside. If not... I'm not sure, to be honest.
Gary
Agree with this and all kind of things can go wrong. And if the level is ok, there are 'brake bands' to actually engage the gears. These can be worn/burnt (old age, use ......), and the result of the test would be about the same.
In general you need to consult an automatic gearbox specialist, or have his opinion. Perhaps somebody on this forum is one and will hopefully respond, as I cannot give you a solution. Only if the brake bands are worn to tell you to replace them.
Rob
350zwelgje said:
Well, seeing as he allowed the engine to run out of oil, I would suggest checking the oil level in the transmission. An automatic will not transmit any significant power without enough oil.
If the oil is topped up, smell it, if it's burnt smelling, then it's likely there are bigger problems inside. If not... I'm not sure, to be honest.
Gary
Agree with this and all kind of things can go wrong. And if the level is ok, there are 'brake bands' to actually engage the gears. These can be worn/burnt (old age, use ......), and the result of the test would be about the same.
In general you need to consult an automatic gearbox specialist, or have his opinion. Perhaps somebody on this forum is one and will hopefully respond, as I cannot give you a solution. Only if the brake bands are worn to tell you to replace them.
Rob
Thanks for the suggestions,
As far as I know, the box was working fine before the engine gave up and the engine didn't totally seize (serious bottom end damage though...), so I think it must be something do with the install.
You've helped confirmed what I thought - maybe it doesn't have any transmission fluid in it
She is convinced that the guy who changed the engine would have filled it up afterwards though (with the right stuff too). As I understand it, automatic boxes are pretty complicated beasts and unless its something nice and easy it might be a better and cheaper just to get a recon'ed box rather than getting a specialist to look at this one. d-man said:
Thanks for the suggestions,
As far as I know, the box was working fine before the engine gave up and the engine didn't totally seize (serious bottom end damage though...), so I think it must be something do with the install.
You've helped confirmed what I thought - maybe it doesn't have any transmission fluid in it
I believe that if a torque converter isn't filled with oil prior to install, it may not work properly after. This likely depends on what type of vehicle it is though. Personally, I wouldn't trust many mechanics to even know that autos need a special fluid, but I've been conditioned to that by dealing with some wazzaks.
I have seen an auto pulled apart, believe me, there are a LOT of little, itty, bitty parts in there. It's the only part that I haven't rebuilt myself. I would if given the chance again though (see above re: wazzaks). However, if it needs work, it will be far, far easier to just get a recon'd unit.
Gary
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