How much does it cost to replace a torque converter

Torque Converter Replacement Cost

Last Updated:  August 9, 2018

The torque converter, in layman terms, is designed to transfer the power from the engine to the transmission.  Installed and mounted on what’s known as a flex plate, which is located in between the engine and transmission, the crankshaft will spin this plate, creating the conversion effect.

The reported torque converter replacement costs

The costs to repair a torque converter will greatly depend on the type of car you’re driving, the mechanic/dealer you use and your geographical location.  To hire a reputable transmission repair shop or dealership, you’re looking at spending anywhere from $550 to $1,200, but if you want to do the job on your own, then be prepared to spend anywhere from $150 to $400 for the parts alone.

Since this a labor-intensive job, the costs can be quite high, even though the part doesn’t cost (about $85 to $175) that much since a mechanic will have to remove the transmission to inspect and repair the part as this part is sandwiched between the transmission and the engine.  Aside from these costs, your mechanic may find additional problems while it’s out of the engine, which can increase the estimates mentioned prior, and these costs greatly depend on the additional type of repair required.

The Transmission Masters in Nashville, TN said that if your torque converter is bad, it is unlikely a replacement will be the solution.  Since this part shares fluid with the transmission, if it were to become faulty, it could damage the entire transmission due to the debris caused by the part.

On Quora, one member answered this question and she stated she spend $220 for the part and another $600 in labor fees for her 2003 Mercury Sable.

At RepairPal.com, a member noted his local Ford dealer was quoting $2,000 to replace this part, but someone answered and said you should never replace just this part without considering a full transmission rebuild as the material from a bad torque converter can contaminate the entire transmission.  So, even when a new part is installed, it can become contaminated, leading to failure in the future.

Signs of torque converter problems

Odd sounds

In some cases, a torque converter can make an odd noise, similar to a whirring or clinking sound, when it starts to fail.  As the assembly contains a part with a lot of clutches, when it goes bad, a rattling noise can be heard, even while the vehicle is in park.  As you put the transmission into gear, the noise will increase, which often points to the torque converter as the problem at hand.

Overheating

If your temperature gauge starts to rise, it can be due to a multitude of reasons, but in some cases, it could be due to the torque converter since a drop in fluid pressure can cause this part to overheat, and because of this, the part is no longer able to transfer power from the engine to the transmission.  If this were to happen, the results can lead to a poor throttle response and excessive wear and tear on the internal parts of the transmission.

Slipping

Since this part is responsible for converting the engine torque into hydraulic pressure in order to shift gears, a damaged fin and/or bearing can cause the transmission to act funny such as delaying the shift or slipping out of gear.  Slipping, aside from torque converter problems, can also be due to the lack of fluid found inside of the transmission, so be sure to check the fluid levels as well to see if the low fluid levels were the culprit of the slipping.

Shuddering

According to TransmissionRepairCostGuide.com, if your car begins to shudder around 30 to 45 miles per hour, then it could be a sign your converter is starting ot go bad.  This noticeable feeling often feels as if you’re driving over a bumpy dirt road, stopping abruptly at random intervals.  As your converter switched to direct drive, a worn out part can create a difficult transmission, which, in this case, will case this shuddering experience.

Transmission Fluid

With an automatic transmission, the torque converter is filled with an automatic transmission fluid, and if this fluid is contaminated, it will cause damage to the internal parts if left ignored, resulting in damaged fins or worn out bearing on the stator.  If you closely examine the fluid and notice any grime, debris or sludge-like material, then this is a sign of contamination and the fluid should be changed immediately before you start driving again.

How to test for a torque converter problem

To see if the torque converter is, indeed, the problem, there is a simple test you can try at home to see if the part is likely the culprit.

What you’re going to want to do is allow your car to idle for about five to 10 minutes.  After, step on the gas as light as possible a few times, allow the car to idle for a few seconds and then hit the brakes, followed by shifting the gear into drive.

During this transition period, you will want to pay close attention to any strange sounds as mentioned above such as clicking, excessive revving or grinding.  If you do not hear any of these sounds, then you will want to try the steps prior, but instead of shifting into drive, shift into reverse instead to see if you can hear any of the sounds mentioned.

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Average Reported Cost: $2200

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