Signs of TC dying?

sethc24 · Jan 13, 2012

Hey guys the Torque converter in my truck i think is starting to die. Like the engine sounds different now at about 1400 rpm im hearing weird engine sounds. Sounds a bit like gravel inside of a can full of oil or something. And the truck seems to be down on power a bit. Anyways what are the signs?

David N · Jan 13, 2012

That noise you are hearing could be the nuts on the converter coming loose...

Mine is going out at the moment... As soon as I start to build about 15psi of boost, the converter will unlock and its determined to not lock back after it does that.

What do you have done to your truck? Or is it stock? Miles?

sethc24 · Jan 13, 2012

315,000 KM on the truck. And about 135,000 KM on the transmission. I have a john wood valvebody in the tranny. Just replaced filter and did a flush to new fluid 3000km ago. Tuning from Tony wildman. 4" exhaust, 6637, Turbo wheel. Pretty basic stuff. I have a trans temp gauge. And my temperature is completely normal. Its not running hot.

David N · Jan 13, 2012

Mine never goes above 150* either... Does the converter unlock when you start rolling into the throttle?

dietoremain · Jan 13, 2012

the gravel sound isnt good thats for sure! Crawl under and listen at an idle too and have someone put it in gear.

sethc24 · Jan 14, 2012

Yes the converter has unlocked when i roll into the throttle at 50 mph. Especially in tony's street tune. Okay i will listen to the idle and in gear. Thanks guys.

TyCorr · Jan 14, 2012

Tis the season!

Mine shifted real early and wouldnt downshift after that when it went out. Mine would get hot though. Like around 200* hot. That was in cooler weather. On hard acceleration, when shifting, it would shutter then slam into gear. Put the 38r on and the trans died after two days.

Powerstroked162 · Jan 14, 2012

Sound go away once it's locked?

sethc24 · Jan 14, 2012

my tranny stays cool. And the tranny temp guage hardly even moves from bottom even after 15 minutes of driving. Im not sure if that any indication of the tc going. And the tranny is fine i dont know?