When to replace the torque converter?
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Senior User
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When to replace the torque converter?
With my first tow under my belt from this weekend in my new-to-me truck, I quickly learned that my TC shutters in 5th if I hold fuel down enough to bog the truck before it wants to down shift. The shutters are pretty violent as compared to others I've experienced in Explorers and F150s. When do you know it is time to change it out? Or, is there something else I can or should do before changing it?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
Torque converter shudders are the clutch slipping. A shudder as the clutch is engaged can be due to old fluid. If the clutch shudders continuously under load then it is slipping and is likely burnt.
You can try changing the fluid and see if that helps but most likely its too far gone. I would recommend replacing it before it does more damage to the transmission.
You can try changing the fluid and see if that helps but most likely its too far gone. I would recommend replacing it before it does more damage to the transmission.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
How many miles on the transmission and when was it's last service? Have you scanned it for codes or had a tow haul light flash? From what you describe I'd be more inclined to think injectors than transmission. The 5R110 is a pretty damn tough bird. My stock torque converter is on it's second transmission (a suncoast) and it's been abused quite a bit and still going at 230K.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2016
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Torque converter shudders are the clutch slipping. A shudder as the clutch is engaged can be due to old fluid. If the clutch shudders continuously under load then it is slipping and is likely burnt.
You can try changing the fluid and see if that helps but most likely its too far gone. I would recommend replacing it before it does more damage to the transmission.
You can try changing the fluid and see if that helps but most likely its too far gone. I would recommend replacing it before it does more damage to the transmission.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2016
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How many miles on the transmission and when was it's last service? Have you scanned it for codes or had a tow haul light flash? From what you describe I'd be more inclined to think injectors than transmission. The 5R110 is a pretty damn tough bird. My stock torque converter is on it's second transmission (a suncoast) and it's been abused quite a bit and still going at 230K.
My thought was also injectors, and I do think I need those as well. I did quite a bit or reading on here this morning and with my previous experiences with other Ford transmission related issues, I do think it's a TC and injectors.
A fluid flush is certainly a viable option.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
IMHO, if you don't know the trucks maintenance history, I'd change all fluids with OEM filters and fluids to get a base line. I recommend that with any used truck purchase even when the PO says it was done unless he has all the paper work and OEM parts can be verified. Many people consider proper maintenance when it's done at the behest of warning lights.
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IMHO, if you don't know the trucks maintenance history, I'd change all fluids with OEM filters and fluids to get a base line. I recommend that with any used truck purchase even when the PO says it was done unless he has all the paper work and OEM parts can be verified. Many people consider proper maintenance when it's done at the behest of warning lights.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
At this point I'd cough up the couple C notes and let them do it. When I knew my tranny was good, I'd just drain the pan every other oil change and add 8 qts. Every third oil change I did the external tranny filter. Internal filter only needs changing during rebuilds. It stops boulders and tree trunks.
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I had Ford flush my fluid today. Beside the mechanic getting oil all over everything, it runs. Won't know how if it helped me until I pull a big load again, which will be in a week or so. I'll certainly report back and update this.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
I'd take it back to that dealer and let them clean up the mess. It's the only way some people learn.
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So today I made a trip pulling a small load to some flood victims in WV. I'm starting to think my issue is my injectors. Since I wasn't pulling my camper I could clearly see my truck was rolling coal just as it started the shuttering/missing. And I don't want to roll coal lol. But once it kicked down into 4th it quit. It's running worse after a cold start now and rougher on the interstate. #1 injector is screwing up based on a Scan, but Monday I'm taking it to a local diesel shop and will let him do a cold start scan to find out for sure.
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I sure will. I spent some time over there the other day watching them finish up putting injectors in a 6.0. They specialize in PSD. I'm anxious to see his scan on the cold start.