Signs of a malfunction of the torque converter of the automatic transmission of BMW, "Subaru", "Mazdy Premasi"

The torque converter is one of the main elements in the automatic transmission system. Due to it, smooth and timely gear changes are made in the vehicle. The first hydrotransfotor systems were developed at the beginning of the last century, and today they are significantly modernized. But, despite all the improvements and technical progress, sometimes the box breaks down. Let's look at the main signs of the failure of the automatic torque converter in the most popular models and brands of cars.

Principle of operation of a torque converter

Technologies are constantly evolving, along with them, the design of the automatic transmission system becomes more complicated. Today, the torque converter in automatic transmissions also takes on the function of the clutch. At the moment of switching on one of the transmissions, this system breaks the connection between the engine and the transmission. After switching on the decreasing or increasing speeds, the element selects a part of the torque. This is necessary to ensure the most smooth switching.

Device

A typical torque converter is three rings with blades. All these parts rotate, while they are located in a single housing. Inside the latter is the transmission fluid. It lubricates and cools the moving elements in the transmission system. The torque converter is mounted on the crankshaft and then connected directly to the automatic transmission mechanism. The fluid moves inside the body with a special pump - pump. This part allows you to create the necessary oil pressure for the unit operation.

Features of modern GDT

Modern automatic transmission systems are equipped with hydrotransformers, which are completely electronically controlled. A huge number of sensors monitors the various parameters of the device. With all the technological features, the complication of the design did not have the best effect on reliability. Today, even on expensive and luxury cars, manufacturers can set frankly unsuccessful boxes.

According to theory, the torque converter has a long service life. It is comparable to the resource of all automatic transmissions. But sometimes, like any other mechanism, it can fail. The assembly should be repaired, but in some cases only replacement will help. It is necessary to know the signs of a malfunction of the automatic torque converter, in order to notice the problem in time and start repairing. Below we will consider them.

Main signs of torque converter malfunctions

Owners of cars equipped with automatic transmission must know the main symptoms of breakage. If soft mechanical sounds are heard during the switching process, and when they dial up and under load they disappear, then this indicates problems in the supporting bearings. The malfunction can be solved if the node is opened and examined. It may be necessary to replace these parts.

Also, the signs of a malfunction of the automatic torque converter are vibrations. Especially often they are observed when driving at speeds within the range of 60-90 km / h. As the situation worsens, the vibrations will only increase. This often indicates that the working fluid has lost its properties, and its wear products are deposited in the oil filter and clog it. The problem can be solved by replacing the filter and oil in the engine and automatic transmission.

If there are some problems with the dynamics of the car, then this is not necessarily a torque converter. Symptoms of a malfunction (the photo was taken in this article is located in the article) in this case - the lack of dynamics, and the reason is connected with the outage of the overtaking clutch. If the car stops and does not go anywhere else, then it is also worth considering as one of the symptoms of problems in the automatic transmission. Often such behavior may indicate damage to the splines on the turbine wheel. Repair involves the installation of new slots or a complete replacement of the entire turbine element.

If rattling sounds are clearly heard with the engine running, then these are also signs of a malfunction of the automatic torque converter. The problem is the bearing, which is located between the turbine wheel and the lid. In the process of motion, this sound can periodically appear or disappear. This is the signal for prompt access to the service. A visit here should not be postponed. If you hear loud noises when switching gears, then the blades are deformed and the blades fall out. Repair is simple and not too expensive. Specialists will replace the failed turbine wheel.

Subaru

Owners of these cars rarely face breakdowns, the reason of which was the automatic torque converter. Symptoms of a malfunction "Subaru" practically do not differ from the symptoms of automatic transmissions of other manufacturers. The most common signs are vibrations and various extraneous noises when the box is working. Also, in case of problems, jerks are felt at the moment of switching at speeds of 60-70 km / h. The dynamics are lost. It becomes very difficult to overclock the car. And one more feature, which is not connected with the torque converter, is the leakage of the working fluid.

What most often fails on the "Subaru"?

The most common failure for these cars is the friction lining of the locking piston. It wears out and breaks down. In this situation it is difficult to determine the breakdown. But if you do not diagnose the transmission in time, it will just rise. And then only replacement will help.

In new generation boxes (on the six-speed automatic transmission), where oil in operating mode can reach 130 degrees, and the impeller operate in slip mode, there is another typical malfunction. This is too rapid wear of the friction lining. Its products contaminate the oil, clog the filter and hydroblock. As a result, the torque converter hydrotransformer fails. The symptoms are the same as in the transmissions of other manufacturers.

BMW

Cars of this manufacturer have always been reliable. But like in other models, there are some nuances here. Some automatic transmissions were simply unsuccessful and "stillborn". Also, many scold individual models of units from ZF. Among the main causes of breakdowns is the torque converter converter. Symptoms of a malfunction are jerking the box, there are blows when switching to "D", overdriving at the time of switching, slipping and vibration.

Serious signs of breakage include noise, jerks and "thoughtfulness" of the box. Perhaps the problem is not in the torque converter. But its diagnosis will not be superfluous. Signs of a malfunction of the torque converter of the automatic transmission "BMW" may not be noticeable to the eye, but this does not mean that they are not. Often transmission problems are associated with various errors in electronics. Diagnosis of the ECU will help here.

Mazda

On "Mazda Premasi" was installed a popular automatic transmission 4F27E. No one has any special problems with it. Its main advantage is excellent maintainability. Experts say that it can be repaired even without the need for dismantling. Among frequent malfunctions - friction burns in modes "Overdrive", and also "Reverse". The overtaking clutch burns.

All the fault of the design features of automatic transmission. There are no special problems with the torque converter. In this box, the hydroblock often wears out, the solenoids fail. Few of the owners had signs of a malfunction of the automatic torque converter. "Mazda Premasi" was completed with a reliable transmission.

Malfunctions of automatic transmission AL-4

This is a product of French engineers. This box was developed by specialists of the concern Citroen. It was the main automatic transmission for all cars of French production from 1998 to 2005. The unit turned out to be as simple and maintainable as possible. Although the box does not have a high smooth running, it has good reliability. Owners seldom observe signs of a malfunction of the automatic torque converter АТ4.

There are no special symptoms here - they are standard for all torque converter transmissions. The most important thing that many are afraid of in this box is the solenoids. They are relatively often out of order. There are also problems with electronics. Because of this, the box often falls into an error and goes into emergency mode of operation.

If the car has been operated for a long time in difficult conditions, there are also problems associated with the torque converter. The clutch, responsible for the free passage of the reactor, is rotated. This is shown in the following way: the machine does not move at low speed in the Drive mode, but only when the gas is pressed.

Summary

It must be said that there are no specific signs indicating a breakdown of the torque converter. Sometimes even specialists can not determine what went wrong. All this leads to expenses for diagnostics. The repair itself is simple. The difficulty is only to dismantle the knot. During the repair process, replacement of worn out consumables, assembly and balancing is carried out.