Noise

You can usually notice the torque converter whine when the vehicle stops and when the transmission is in Drive or Reverse. The noise increases when the engine RPM is increases. The noise stops when the vehicle is moving or when the torque converter clutch applies because both halves of the converter are turning at the same speed.

Perform a stall test in order to ensure that the noise is actually coming from the converter:

1. Place your foot on brake.
2. Put the gear selector in Drive.

NOTICE: Depressing the accelerator for more than 6 seconds could cause damage to the transmission.

3. Depress the accelerator to approximately 1200 RPM for no more than six seconds.

Important: Do not confuse torque converter noise with a pump whine noise which is usually noticeable in Park, Neutral and all of the other gear ranges. The pump whine will vary with the pressure ranges.

The torque converter noise will increase under this load.

Replace the torque converter under any of the following conditions:
- External leaks in the hub weld area.
- Scoring or damage to the converter hub.
- Damage to the converter pilot.
- The converter pilot is broke or fits poorly into the crankshaft.
- Steel particles are present after flushing the cooler and cooler lines.
- Damage to the pump
- Steel particles inside of the converter.
- The vehicle has the TCC shudder and/or not the TCC apply. Replace the torque converter only after all of the hydraulic and the electrical diagnoses have been made. (the converter clutch material may be glazed.)
- The converter has an imbalance which cannot be corrected. Refer to CONVERTER VIBRATION TEST PROCEDURE. Flexplate/Torque Converter Vibration Test
- The engine coolant has contaminated the converter with the antifreeze
- Internal failure of the stator roller clutch.
- Excess end play
- Any heavy clutch debris which is caused by overheating (blue converter).
- Any steel particles or any clutch lining material that is present in the fluid filter or on the magnet when wear or damage is not present in the internal parts in the unit. This indicates that the lining material came from the converter.