How To Drain a Torque Converter

Most automatic transmissions rely on the torque converter to function properly. It prevents the vehicle from stalling when coming to a stop and increases pulling power by multiplying engine torque when accelerating. Because it’s such an important part of your transmission, it’s important to check on your torque converter regularly and service it when any issues pop up.

Should You Drain a Torque Converter?

Ask around, and you’ll get different answers. For some, torque converters don’t need flushing. They believe that dirty transmission fluid improves the transmission’s grip and prevents the gears from slipping. Considering how contaminated transmission oil can actually damage your transmission, it doesn’t seem like this theory holds much water.

Others strongly recommend including a torque converter flush in your routine transmission service.

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Pro Tip: The torque converter is pressurized by the transmission oil pump and uses an internal impeller and turbine to transfer torque from the engine to the transmission turbine shaft.

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How To Flush a Torque Converter

Cleaning a torque converter can be as easy as unscrewing a drain plug and waiting for the transmission fluid to drain; many Ford vehicles have torque converter drain plugs. Unfortunately, not all vehicles come with a drain plug, so the process can be a bit more complicated than that. Here are a few tips to make it easier:

Prepare the Necessary Tools

You’ll save yourself a lot of time by preparing everything you need before you begin. To drain the torque converter, you’ll need a funnel, flare tool, screwdriver, socket wrench, and a bucket or drip pan. Be sure to have a bottle of fresh transmission fluid on hand too.

Disconnect the Transmission Cooling Line

The transmission cooling line’s exact location can vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model, but you can usually find it connected to the radiator. In some cars, you’ll have to remove the engine flex plate first in order to access the line.

If you aren’t 100% sure how to disconnect the transmission cooling line, don’t hesitate to ask a mechanic for help or consult your owner’s manual.

Start the Engine

With your gear set to neutral, start your engine to allow the transmission fluid to flow through the torque converter. Don’t forget to place a bucket or drain pan underneath the transmission cooling line.

Locate the Transmission Fluid Line

Find your vehicle’s transmission fluid pipe so that you can top up your transmission fluid. Depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model, you can find it either near the rear of the engine or connected to the transaxle in front of the engine.

Don’t forget to use a funnel when pouring the fluid into the line. You’ll want to keep adding until fresh fluid drops into the bucket, which is a sign that the tank is now filled with new transmission oil.

Shift the Gears

You’ll need to call a friend to help you with this one. As you pour fresh fluid into the line, ask them to slowly shift through each gear. This allows the new transmission fluid to circulate through the system and lubricate each gear.

Go for a Test Drive

To make sure everything’s good to go, test drive your vehicle for a few miles. Your transmission should be running smoothly if you’ve successfully flushed the torque converter. If you notice the gears slipping or any strange noises coming from the transmission, then simply draining the torque converter fluid isn’t enough. You might have to replace the entire converter.

Can You Drive With a Damaged Torque Converter?

While your engine can still run even if the torque converter shudders, we don’t recommend driving your vehicle until this faulty part is fixed. Driving around with a damaged torque converter can cause your transmission to overheat. Your gears are also likely to slip, making it hard to drive your car safely. It’s a lose-lose situation for you and your transmission, so you’re better off keeping your car in the garage until you can fix your torque converter.

How Much Does a Torque Converter Replacement Cost?

The exact price can vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In general, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $1,460 for a new torque converter. You can save yourself a lot of money by flushing your torque converter and following your manufacturer’s recommended transmission maintenance schedule.

How to Get Your Hands on a New Torque Converter

Finding a new torque converter that’s designed to work with your vehicle is easy with the help of CarParts.com. The best part? Getting your hands on replacement parts is more hassle-free than ever.

To get started, simply use your mobile device or computer to visit our website. Enter your ride’s details in the vehicle selector to narrow down the selection to compatible torque converters. Then, use the search filters to find the parts that match your preferred brand, price, and more.

We make it a point to get all our auto parts from the most trusted and reliable names in the industry. On top of that, every item in our catalog is carefully selected by a team of professionals to guarantee both quality and longevity. You won’t have to worry about your new torque converter failing you any time soon.

With our warehouses strategically located all over the US, you can also expect to receive any of your orders within two business days. This, combined with the fact that all our products are available at competitive prices, means you can save both time and money.

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