i'm looking at buying a 1990 ls sedan. aside from some engine problems, the torque converter doesn't seem to complete disengage the engine from the rest of the drivetrain when the car comes to a stop but is still in drive.

it feels like the engine is still pulling a bit hard and it grumbles and shakes like it is about to stall, but the idle control keeps it running until you release the brakes, at which time it lurches forward somewhat aggressively.

i am guessing the problem may be in the torque converter. does anyone have any input or thoughts on this? is there a way to diagnose the problem without pulling the motor?

this is the first automatic transmission i have really dealt with and i don't know much about them.

thanks in advance...

-jacob

 

if it helps, the car has 210k miles on it.

 

My old Skyhawk had a similar problem. Check the tranny fluid first. Next check any solenoids (not sure if your tranny is electronically controlled).

At 200k+ miles it may just need a rebuild.

 

well its your synchros
they are done with
time to change you tranny or rebuilt
use to do it in my girls car
it clonks when shifting up and when shifting down

 

No synchros in an automatic tranny, bubba.

 

Whahaha "it's the syncros" where do people learn about cars? So many idiots posting crappy advice....so sad....anyways. Honda transmissions do not use planetary gears...they all use clutch packs and solenoids. I'd try getting the tranny flushed to get any gunk off the shift solenoids. If the torque converter is still acting up I'd just replace it...they don't cost that much if you shop around. Also try checking the cable from the transmission to the throttle body,if it's too tight that might be your problem. It's good to replace your transmission fluid every 2-3 years depending on how to hard you drive it.

 

Can you replace the torque converter without having to disassemble the internals of the transmission itself? I am reluctant to do anything involving the transmission.

Thanks!

-Jacob

 

Nope. The torque convertor is the rough equivalent of a clutch in a manual tranny. So you'd do well just to rebuild the transmission entirely.

Or save for a manual swap.

 

That's funny.. The torque converter doesn't seem to disengage.??.. If I remember correctly from Auto Tranny class, I could have sworn that a TC doesn't do anything but spin along.. And when it spin fast enough the Stator will redirect the oil and thus multiply torque..

Now if the engine shakes while at a stop and the Steering Wheel and everything else vibrates, it could be due to a worn engine or tranny mount.. The Instructor said that older Hondas have a problem with those mounts wearing out..

But then again, I could be wrong. But what would be great is more detail about the problem.. Then I could probably take another guess at it.. But yeah, the other dude is right, always check the tranny fluid first..

 

Most modern torque conveters "lock up" past a certain speed under light throttle. It provides a mechanical connection between the engine and drivetrain (like a manual tranny), and increases fuel efficiency. However, if it doesn't unlock when the vehicle slows, you get the problem described above.