Does this sound like a bad torque converter?
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From: Waiting for my R18 to crack, Maine
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Does this sound like a bad torque converter?
2007 EX. Car shudders a bit when driven for several miles, usually only after sitting overnight, but sometimes out of the blue when it has been driven all day. Feels very similar to a out of balance wheel or a bent rim. Does not seem to matter which gear it's in, or when TC locks/unlocks (OD). Happens around 45-60 mph or so. Smooth as can be on the highway 75+ mph.
The alloy wheels have been checked for straightness 3 times at 3 shops, 3 different sets of tires, and 2 alignments. I'm pretty confident it's not wheel related lol
The shudder comes and goes. Usually after it warms up it's fine, but might pop up later on.
Not to experienced with automatics, this is my first one. Any ideas?
The alloy wheels have been checked for straightness 3 times at 3 shops, 3 different sets of tires, and 2 alignments. I'm pretty confident it's not wheel related lol
The shudder comes and goes. Usually after it warms up it's fine, but might pop up later on.
Not to experienced with automatics, this is my first one. Any ideas?
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
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Re: Does this sound like a bad torque converter?
Yes they can and do have TCC shudder, cars that have had transmission services neglected or wrong fluids used are the ones that seem to get really bad about it. HINT lol
Since the trans can engage the converter clutch in all gears, you may feel it happen at nearly any speed. Sometimes they will shake at 20 while going slow, sometimes immediately after shifting gears, sometimes higher speeds. The shake can shake the entire car at times.
Shakes like a dog pooping broken glass.
Once it starts acting up, try putting the shifter in D3 and driving around, see if the shudder disappears.
If I suspected TCC shudder, I'd first want to verify and prove it on my scanner.
Then if proven, the next suggested step would be to change the trans fluid 3 or 4 times (official procedures) using genuine Honda ATF DW-1 fluid.
If that does not take care of it, then you may be looking at replacing the torque converter.
Since the trans can engage the converter clutch in all gears, you may feel it happen at nearly any speed. Sometimes they will shake at 20 while going slow, sometimes immediately after shifting gears, sometimes higher speeds. The shake can shake the entire car at times.
Shakes like a dog pooping broken glass.
Once it starts acting up, try putting the shifter in D3 and driving around, see if the shudder disappears.
If I suspected TCC shudder, I'd first want to verify and prove it on my scanner.
Then if proven, the next suggested step would be to change the trans fluid 3 or 4 times (official procedures) using genuine Honda ATF DW-1 fluid.
If that does not take care of it, then you may be looking at replacing the torque converter.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Waiting for my R18 to crack, Maine
Rep Power: 0 Re: Does this sound like a bad torque converter?
Yes they can and do have TCC shudder, cars that have had transmission services neglected or wrong fluids used are the ones that seem to get really bad about it. HINT lol
Since the trans can engage the converter clutch in all gears, you may feel it happen at nearly any speed. Sometimes they will shake at 20 while going slow, sometimes immediately after shifting gears, sometimes higher speeds. The shake can shake the entire car at times.
Shakes like a dog pooping broken glass.
Once it starts acting up, try putting the shifter in D3 and driving around, see if the shudder disappears.
If I suspected TCC shudder, I'd first want to verify and prove it on my scanner.
Then if proven, the next suggested step would be to change the trans fluid 3 or 4 times (official procedures) using genuine Honda ATF DW-1 fluid.
If that does not take care of it, then you may be looking at replacing the torque converter.
Since the trans can engage the converter clutch in all gears, you may feel it happen at nearly any speed. Sometimes they will shake at 20 while going slow, sometimes immediately after shifting gears, sometimes higher speeds. The shake can shake the entire car at times.
Shakes like a dog pooping broken glass.
Once it starts acting up, try putting the shifter in D3 and driving around, see if the shudder disappears.
If I suspected TCC shudder, I'd first want to verify and prove it on my scanner.
Then if proven, the next suggested step would be to change the trans fluid 3 or 4 times (official procedures) using genuine Honda ATF DW-1 fluid.
If that does not take care of it, then you may be looking at replacing the torque converter.
Can I use a regular scan tool to diagnose this?
Also, I've had the car for 1.5 years, the shudder doesn't SEEM to be getting worse. What is the worst damage that this shudder could cause? Is it tough on the trans?
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: Does this sound like a bad torque converter?
Can I use a regular scan tool to diagnose this?
I test drive and record engine RPM, input shaft RPM, and a few other items, then graph out the recording to view. Overlay and zoom on the two RPM graphs and look for RPM differences when the two values should have been exactly the same (@TCC 100% applied).
Then decide if what was felt is really coming from the torque converter clutch.
One RPM line kinda looks like teeth on a saw blade when the shudder is captured.
Much newer cars may have a PID for TCC slip ratio, that makes it a bit easier.
Also, I've had the car for 1.5 years, the shudder doesn't SEEM to be getting worse. What is the worst damage that this shudder could cause? Is it tough on the trans?
Maybe you have a collapsed motor mount (a common failure) causing vibration or something.
I've seen some of these cars with the TCC shudder condition and apparently the people either ignore it or don't understand it's a problem.
I can't tell you if it will seriously damage the trans, but I imagine it isn't helpful.
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