THIS Is the Most Underrated Car Invention in 2023 | The Torque Converter

The Torque Converter in automatic transmission is possibly the most underrated invention in cars today. Most people use it every single day without realizing how important it is and what it actually does.
In this video we will go back to basics with the torque converter. We'll explain what makes it, how it works and how it has evolved from a very basic principle to the latest and the greatest of today!
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0:00 Intro
0:50 Components and Basic Operation
5:21 1st Complication : It's Not Moving
9:02 2nd Complication : It's too hot for a road trip
13:03 3rd Complication : The MPG Wars
15:28 Torque Converter Common Problems
20:56 Things You Didn't Know
23:59 The More Complicated Things
27:26 How Does the Lock Actually Happen
29:02 Torque Converter Construction Confusion

[@jamesmchugo9422]

I’ve never seen the inside of a torque converter and no one has ever explained how one works so well. Thanks for the video.

[@Cripleclarence_1948]

You often mention that you still have to clean the engine bay/compartment of a vehicle before you turn it back over to the customer. I would like to see a video of what you do and what cleaners you use. That would be a great DIY video.

[@k24wkevin]

Seconded! I remember it was on the do list but AMD wanted a dirty enough engine bay to clean. 😅

[@RoccoReviews]

@@k24wkevinyeah it was on his Camry Hybrid video a few months ago.

[@emiliog.4432]

I use Oil Eater spray. Works well and doesn’t discolor or attack anything. Plastic or metal.

[@Cripleclarence_1948]

@@RoccoReviews The Camry Hybrid AMD bought for himself and did the one-year review on?

[@might_e]

@@Cripleclarence_1948i've seen him say he was waiting for it to get dirtier before cleaning it but never one where he does it. maybe it's still in the works

[@AB-jk7tw]

As a mechanical engineer, your explanation of this much over-looked device was excellent. Well done!

[@thejimmyrig]

You cant say nice things to a mechanic as an engineer in public, next thing people will think mechanics and engineers are friends 😁

[@johnmadsen37]

I had a friend who was a mechanical engineer. And an alcoholic. I would not trust his opinion from authority.

[@BruceCarbonLakeriver]

yep same here and same opinion about this video, well done. And yes it is an engineering marble and completely underrated!

[@tahcogunworks]

Except he is wrong. All of it is wrong about the stator.

[@thejimmyrig]

@@tahcogunworks would you like to explain how it is? ive gotten good with every part of a vehicle except understanding how these magic doughnuts work.

[@edster612]

I've been in the auto industry for over 20 years. I think this might be the only time anyone has ever explained the inner workings of a torque converter. Well done, and I very much enjoyed it.

[@tahcogunworks]

Except he is wrong about the stator.

[@wkb21]

Explain please!

[@chuckconnors615]

??? @@tahcogunworks

[@chris4321das]

@@tahcogunworks Please explain.

[@OLDSCHOOLROGUE]

I’ve been an ASE certified technician and a Licensed A&P Aircraft Technician for 40 years……This video is possibly the best technical explanation I have ever seen!

[@johnmadsen37]

Lots of torque converters on planes?

[@OLDSCHOOLROGUE]

@@johnmadsen37 Perhaps you don’t realize ASE CERTIFIED means automotive tech?

[@jerryhubbard4461]

The magic of engineering. What I find interesting is how much stuff comes out of an automatic transmission. Amazing how they get all the parts in an automatic tranny. A lot of skill goes into taking a transmission apart and putting it back together and make it work. Hats off to guys like you that have the interest to do these things.

[@phyllisalderson6247]

Hi Jerry it’s amazing ,,, my learned everything about any kind of engine ,, electric all of in the navy ,,, it’s very interesting I still love learning bout ,, my dad taught me a lot ,, but not all ,, cause I’m a girl he said ,, he was good as the car nut guy.

[@TaijiArban]

As with most cars, I can take things apart within half an hour and take a whole week to put them back right lol

[@phyllisalderson6247]

@@TaijiArban ,,,, that makes sense ,, making sure all that stuff is where it’s supposed to be ,, great mechanics are very hard to find !!!

[@stevensims3342]

98% of people have no idea how these work and half of those who even grasp the entirety of its function still boil it down to fluid dynamics. It's like one of those things that were designed but only a small number of people can engineer and build them. Really great video. Torque converters are amazing devices!

[@Nasio678]

I guess I’m part of the 2%😭🙏🏾

[@Syapo0323]

Im a big fan from the Philippines who works on cars. Your youtube channel has really helped me a lot. Thank you and may Godbless you always.

[@ddawson8069]

...and you Filipinos really know how to keep cars running & running!

[@richardgalea9884]

A much appreciate this man for his clarity of mind in explaining complexity in a simple way…..Thanks The German inverter of the torque converter was Dr. H Fottinger. The first experimental converter was build in1908 and gave the maximum efficiency of 83% with a maximum torque ratio of 5:1. The Fottinger transmitter, as it was than called, used water as fluid medium as it was first used for marine purpose.

[@robertvanruyssevelt7159]

When I was a motor mechanic apprentice over 50 years ago automatics were not as ubiquitous as now. We were not taught to service or repair them - they were left to specialists. We were just told they had a fluid coupler. I am learning so much from the Car Care Nut! And this video gives another reason to do regular ATF changes (as opposed to so-called lifetime fluid).

[@simeon2851]

For once my eyes did not glaze over and my mind did not wander. Such a good teacher.

[@user-vs7ec1wz5d]

A top-notch video on how the torque converter works. You have the ability to break down parts and explain in a language that most people can understand on how it works.

[@kennyburaker9013]

Many thanks for taking the time to explain the torque converter and how it functions. I often wondered what the inside of one looked and all the components. We appreciate what you do for all of us.

[@coltoncj1]

I’ve been a heavy equipment mechanic for 5 years now and never really understood how exactly a torque converter works until now! Thank you!

[@dalemettee1147]

Back in the early 50's Chrysler had a "Fluid coupler" attached to a standard transmission with a manual clutch. You could shift the gear selector as a regular gear box. The only thing different is that you could select a gear and then NOT depress the clutch and the engine would not stall. The coupler would take over and you could operate the car as an automatic. It never did catch on .

[@swift4856]

Hi Yes I worked on early Volkswagons who had a similar thing. Early VWs had a manual transmissions with both a clutch and a torque converter but the clutch had no clutch pedal. The clutch was activated from the gear stick and it simply was fully engaged or fully disengaged. The clutch was engaged by pushing the gear stick down (which disengaged the clutch) before pushing the gear stick into gear and letting the gear stick up (which engaged the clutch again) while the torque converter kept everything separate until accelerating. It was known as a stick shift. I also wondered why it wasn't more popular.

[@Maybe-So]

In the late 70s Honda CVCC (if I recall correctly) had a 4 speed Hondamatic transmission, 2 automatic gears, then shift, then 2 more.

[@jima3129]

Yeah! I was in my early teens, and I had one of these. It was a Plymouth with that old great inline L 6 engine.

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

@@Maybe-So I think Chevy had an automatic transmission you had to shift once manually. It did not catch on. They went back to the automatic. Also, Chevy had a special transmission that shifted gears through use of a special converter. Finally had all the bugs out of it and worked great only to be discontinued. And who could forget the Buick Dyna flow that just used a special torque converter all the time. They worked super smooth but was a gas hog.🙂 The famous Hydro matic transmission never used a torque converter at all just a fluid coupling. One model of Hydro matic had two fluid couplings. 😉

[@thestardusters7640]

Still driving my 55 Buick with Twin Turbine Variable Pitch Dynaflow transmission. Someone once told me that that year Buick had the slowest acceleration from 0 to 40 and fastest from 40 to 80 mph.@@GaryH-pw9cm

[@tigerteff015]

Didnt realise how relatively complex a modern auto was and the need to respect your car when driving and servicing. Thanks.

[@gwilli1754]

Super expensive, for a reason. About 1/4 of the cost of the whole car, in just a few plates.

[@BT-zw2ix]

Don't forget the engineers who designed them overtime with trials and errors in order to come up with this. And what we often don't see is the fact that what we consider as modern technology such as this (TC) has often been around for a long time ago back when there was no AI or computer-assisted designing, it was all about brain cells, eyes, hands, pencils and drawing board. We take it for granted but often don't think about the brilliant minds that made our lives much easier.

[@donaldendsley6199]

Modern Autos and Airplanes are a huge argument against simplicity equating reliability. what creates reliability is designing and maintaining for reliability not the complexity of the system.

[@johnarnold893]

@@gwilli1754 How do you figure that a torque converter is 1/4 the price of a vehicle. A 2015 Chevy Silverado with a Duramax the torque is less than a thousand bucks.

[@volvo09]

Great video! I always wanted to see how the lockup clutch works. That is a very small amount of clutch material, it's amazing how durable it is, like a single plate motorcycle clutch. It's also amazing how complicated automatic transmissions are, they are a work of art, even though I prefer manuals, at least i can appreciate something while wishing I had a clutch... Haha

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Well said!

[@NoahSpurrier]

There doesn’t need to be much clutch material because the fluid coupling transfers power until the input and output speeds are matched. The clutch doesn’t need to split like it does in a manual transmission.

[@wesfields9322]

AMD you look so passionate educating us about such an overlooked subject. Thank you for taking your time to do and share your wisdom

[@frankbiz]

Great video!! Thanks for helping me understand how a torque converter operates. You are an amazing teacher.

[@phTeamHalb]

I've always been in awe with what the Torque converter has to accomplish - let alone figuring out the engaging and disengaging of the clutch, it needs to convert all the torque the engine is laying down to spin a shaft that can propel thousands of pounds under immense loads - just blows my mind. Thank you for this thoughtful explainer of how it accomplishes all that.

[@N20Joe]

I've blown several transmissions racing and it's almost always been when I'm at high stall speed to launch off the line, then have to stop and wait, but not wait long enough for it to cool down from the massive heat buildup of pushing the stall speed to max.

[@tomschmidt381]

Great torque converter tutorial. In our family we mostly have and have had manual transmission cars so I have not spent a lot of time figuring out how torque converters operate. I agree with your analysis, they are a marvelous piece of engineering.

[@nyc8452]

Please, please do more of these educational videos my man - you are a natural teacher and these are difficult concepts for most people to understand properly - diagrams on a whiteboard aren't as helpful as seeing an expert with the parts in hand! The genius of your teaching is starting with the idea and then dealing with the problems. Most tutorials would simply explain what each part does, but if you understand the problems that inventors had to overcome, then you really start to understand the interaction of all of the parts.

[@mserica6487]

Thank you for this. I knew what a torque converter does but I never had any idea how it worked.

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, This lesson will be very handy if I ever give up my manual transmission. 😉

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@kimbuck2177 It won't be any time soon 😁

[@randomuser6306]

I added a Tru Cool tranny cooler to my Prado for the heat on abu dhabi. Was 120f in the desert last Saturday afternoon. 4lo, 4th gear, 8 psi in the tires, and the transmission fluid at the tq converter sensor never went above 175f. Amazing design.

[@MrMopar413]

Awesome video from a retired heavy duty diesel mechanic. The one thing you talked about and we all know what happens inside a automatic transmission is-but we cannot see it is torque converter creep at a stop and low speeds. Their is a way-!!. On heavy equipment that use a torque converter assembly separate from the transmission but connected by what we call a trans-converter driveshaft you can actually see this principle working. Decades ago when I started working for a underground mining equipment manufacturer all the machines where set up this way. The first time in the shop that I watched this happen; I was totally memorized. Thinking that is cool to watch the trans-converter driveshaft do it’s thing. I never got tired of watching that trans-converter driveshaft spin and do it’s thing. It’s almost memorizing to watch as the engine speeds up and down. It’s totally fascinating to watch and see that principle of a automatic transmission in action. I tried to find a video of this setup but failed. Maybe a heavy duty diesel mechanic that works on underground mining equipment that reads my comment will make a video of a mining machine’s trans-converter driveshaft in action; it would be great. I’m long retired out of the business. But it is totally fascinating to watch.

[@-DC-]

The Lock up Clutch was absolute Witchcraft back in the 80's, A 4 speed Auto with Lock up still seems pretty much like it covers most people's requirements.

[@terrysennhenn896]

I knew about all those parts that make up a TC but didn't know how they worked together till now. Many thanks for bringing it together.

[@ganormand]

Great video. I had 1950 Dodge with 3 speed manual on the tree, AND a torque converter-they called it Fluid Drive. You couldn't kill the engine even if you popped the clutch at idle. It was fabulous for teaching people to drive stick shift. On trips, you never really needed to shift-just leave it in 3d and go slow pokey off the line. Also had a 1961 Bentley with a GM turbo hydramatic in it.

[@rahulkalra8989]

I love how TCCN is such a connoisseur.

[@theoriginalpauly]

I'm a technical educator, and I really like the way you explained the construction as the last point. I think the fluid flow and mechanical operation are much easier to understand as you presented them, and then the "backwards" construction really fills in how it works as a unit. This is the best explainer I have seen of the torque converter. Many thanks!

[@abot4694]

I have understood the basic principle of how a torque converter works but I've never seen it in that much detail. Thank you for this video. You truly are a gem to us car enthusiasts and DIY home mechanics.

[@daveb495]

This is the most comprehensive explanation of a modern torque converter I've seen. Thanks! Now I also know why my 2016 Tacoma has that annoying shudder. Sure wish I'd known about this before the drive train warranty expired.

[@yunieskerjoseespinosamarre1174]

Thank You so much!!! No words to describe how much you help us, not only about mechanic, but also to listen and learn the cars language. God bless you 🙏

[@chriseverett5398]

This will be the most underrated videos of the year… what a shame. What a beautiful master piece of language expression, almost mathematically explained using simple words! GREAT VIDEO AMD!!!!

[@jdub976]

This was great. All my life I have worked on engines and everything on cars except transmissions. Had a very basic understanding of transmissions but nothing more. Always wanted a more detailed explanation about them but never had a chance to get it. Thank you.

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

I remember when locking torque converters started showing up in the early eighties, and when going up a grade, those early converters would lock, unlock, lock unlock, every few seconds. People would climb under their cars and disconnect a wiring harness on the side of the transmission to keep the converter from locking. This was a common issue on GM cars and trucks, which usually had large V8 engines, and the locking torque converter made little difference in the gas mileage anyway, so people didn't mind disabling the converter lockup.

[@catsaregovernmentspies]

I am thinking that in overdrive transmissions it won't shift into overdrive if it doesn't get a signal the torque converter locked up.

[@WJV9]

Buick had an automatic transmission in 1948 they called the DynaFlow. It was an extremely smooth transmission that did not shift but used the Torque Converter to change the fluid ratio from standing start to full road speed. The transmission had only 1 planetary gear for the Low Range that was manually selected and also a reversing gear for Reverse movement in the Low Range. My dad had a 1949 Buick Special with a straight 8 OHV engine with a DynaFlow transmission. The Torque Converter was not very efficient when starting so if you wanted to accelerate quickly it was best to manually select Low gear and then shift into Drive when your speed got to around 35 or 40 MPH. The smooth start in Drive was handy on ice/snow however since it accelerated gently and you would not get wheel spin so easily. Thanks for your description of the torque converter components and how they work, one of the best descriptions I have seen.

[@bernardshaw7585]

Thought I knew a little bit about the internal combustion engines and modern cars but every time I watch your channel I learn so much more.. appreciate you.

[@theredwedge9446]

Just by changing the angle of the fins, the stator, the number of the blades and the physical size, all changes the stall rpm and increase the multiplication of power. Its so cool/

[@D3thM3tal]

Good job explaining the converter, I didn't realize that some of them had dampening springs but I guess it makes sense. The easiest way I've been epxlained how a converter works is basically a fan blowing at another fan - then toss in the clutch lockup and you're nearly there.

[@anvilsvs]

Fan blowing at another fan is a hydraulic coupling, not the same thing at all.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

OK, the stator to a fluid coupling is like the fulcrum to a stick... the stator makes the fluid coupling multiply torque as a 'torque converter' like a fulcrum turns a stick into a 'lever' that has more force...

[@starr_helix6770]

Brilliant. The mystery explained….and by someone who truly loves the subject matter. - the best way to teach. Reading some of the other comments here it looks like you’ve hit a rich vein of appreciation for understanding this beast…. We all just jump in, turn on, flick the shift and pull away….. mostly oblivious of the inner workings. Thanks for shedding light well done 👍👍👍👍👍

[@matthiaslipinski2826]

Hello AMD, thank you so much for making this video! I saw your earlier video about the torque converter shudder and didn’t understand well enough how this happened. As an owner of a 2012 Camry that was actually affected by this problem this bothered me. Now, I have a much better idea why Toyota ran into this problem. Thanks a lot for your explanations!

[@redhand7104]

Great Informative video! Could you make a video explaining the difference between the 6 speed and 8 speed transmission and the durability of the 6 speed. Or in other words, what have they done to update the operation of the 8 speed.

[@jima3129]

When i was young, many moons ago, i worked in a transmission repair shop.on the old hydramatics, we would take off the dust cover under the bell housing, and drill and tap the torque converter to put a small plug in it. This was the only way to completely drain and change the transmission fluid. Great Video!

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

Leaving the drain plug out of modern converters must have saved the manufactures $1 dollar each. A million cars they saved a million dollars. But still I would have paid the dollar to have a drain plug on the converter.

[@jima3129]

@@GaryH-pw9cm It must be the same bean counter who deleted the drain plug and the under hood dip stick from the transmission on Fords. Given the chance, I would ring that guy's neck.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

1940 - 1964 HydraMatics had a 1:1 fluid coupling, not a 2:1 torque converter...

[@jima3129]

@@BuzzLOLOL Thank you, I guess I called it the wrong thing. I was only 14 at the time. Graduated HS IN 1964.

[@edwardcook7673]

Thank you very much! I truly enjoyed this video. To prevent fluid contamination I drain and fill my transmission every year. The fluid is relatively inexpensive and the transmission is super expensive. About 50% of the fluid is exchanged on the drain and fill. Also around town I drive in D3 mode and save the lock up feature for the interstate. 191k miles and so far so good. Thanks again!

[@ericchan7500]

Thank you Ahmed! You explained this very well and very clearly. This is something I always wanted to learn about. You have increased my knowledge tremendously, and I really appreciate all your hard work to produce these videos to educate us.

[@camaro6810]

I really love this video and appreciate you taking a moment to do some general educating. I've always tried to learn more mechanically, had buddies who had dads that would tear everything apart and work together on it, they learned tons. I never had any of that, so everything I have learned has been by doing, or watching youtube etc. and that can be hard to find/figure out. You're a very good teacher and I hope you do more videos like this. Posi/limited slip rear ends is another good one, transfer cases etc. There is so much that we use everyday that we take for granted and have no clue how it works. I have watched every single video you have made since the beginning and I've enjoyed them all, even ones that I wouldnt normally watch or click on, I watch them all and learn and enjoy. Thanks, keep up the great work!

[@catsaregovernmentspies]

You can learn a ton by watching KZbin videos. My knowledge accumulated exponentially from KZbin in many areas.

[@Terost36]

Thanks for taking the time from your busy shop schedule to explain how the torque converter works.

[@Visionery1]

I drive a '92 MB W124 230E, what I love about the auto box is the ability to hold the car on a hill at idle - without touching the throttle - it's as good as a handbrake and a pleasure in our hilly surroundings.

[@khukman1]

Great explanation, making things easy to understand for the layman! Keep up the awesome videos

[@keithsanders2792]

AMD, unfortunately my 2017 RAV4 XLE recently had to have the torque converter replaced, and I baby my car. Also, tranny fluid had been changed a year before TC replacement at 60,000 miles.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

I’m glad I bought the 19 RAV4. It’s been bulletproof, knock on wood. I now have almost 100k miles.

[@jonathanratliff4780]

@@user-tb7rn1il3qkeep tranny serviced with trans fluid from dealer oem fluid and will last LONG time

[@ruthnoya8424]

Was it a drain and fill, flush or fluid exchange?

[@keithsanders2792]

@@ruthnoya8424 I think a flush and fill.

[@swift4856]

Wonderful invention. An interesting early type of automatic transmission was that Early VWs actually had a manual transmissions with both a clutch and a torque converter but the clutch had no clutch pedal. The clutch was activated from the gear stick and it simply was fully engaged or fully disengaged. The clutch was engaged by pushing the gear stick down (which disengaged the clutch) before pushing the gear stick into gear and letting the gear stick up (which engaged the clutch again) while the torque converter kept everything separate until accelerating. It was known as a stick shift.

[@royallclark6331]

I rebuilt transmission for right at 30 years, starting in 1972. Worked on both import and domestic, and all the way back to a 1947 Dynaflow and 1946 R Type Hydormatic. Oldest was a 1936 stick shift out of a Jaguar. Only thing I would like to comment on is the blue spots on the clutch surface of the front housing. Too me those blue marks are made by manufacturing when they attached the bolt lugs onto the pump cover. Each of the blue segments are arranged in at each point of the lug on the opposite side. It is possible that those did contribute to the chatter because of difference in hardening of the metal due to the welding process. Also, as far as thermal management goes, most heat is built up due to "oil shear" and to alleviate that Ford and GM would get the clutch engaged to stop the oil shear problem. That is why you put your car in park if you are stopped in traffic for any length of time. Back in the early 80's people would complain how "busy" the trans was.. I thought I was smart and set the valve body up to not allow lock up until in 4th gear (700R4) and found out after towing a few back into the shop (all burnt up) after going over Snoqualmie pass in Washington, because the torque converter was going into torque multiplication and building up tremendous heat from oil shear. But I digress..... Again, great video!

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

Good information Thanks.

[@kc8jtg99]

Great explanation of a big mystery. I had the torque shudder at 25 mph on my 2012 Honda CRV. The dealer did a software update that seems to have fixed it.

[@RationalCreed]

If that’s a US version then was it a CVT transmission?

[@bruceroberts529]

Absolutely GREAT review! I always wondered about the "electronic lockup" and now I know the principle. I thought the video title was misleading but knowing that the manufacturers keep improving such an old component it makes sense. In my younger years I was hell on components but now I am a really gentle driver. I don't recall you doing a FoMoCo comparison to Toyota. I would like to see that and how much they are similar. We have a 2016 Rav4 Limited Hybrid 130k miles and a 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 50k miles. For us they both work very well. Take care and God bless.

[@davidpowell3347]

Most cars did not have torque converter clutches or "lockup" until the 1980s or so but the early Packard automatic did have a lockup converter,also city buses by GM with Detroit Diesel and automatic drive often had one speed automatic transmission with a lockup torque converter. Also some automatic transmissions only had fluid coupling that couldn't multiply torque.

[@robi4387]

Little did I think that I would spend 34 minutes listening to you talk about an automatic transmission but I'm glad I did and I found it very interesting and easy to understand, thank you

[@thomasroberts8024]

Ha! Torque convertor shudder. A highly predictable occurence in Towncars, Grand Marquis, Fairlane 500's, etc. from 2010 and earlier. And usually at about 45,000 miles. Customers usually had difficulty describing the sensation, but this being Texas, I always asked one question. "Did it feel like you had just run across a cattle guard?" (Those steel tubes in a frame running laterally across a dirt road where it crosses through a fence) "EXACTLY like that," most would say. At that point I would explain that deteriorating fluid was to blame and sell a transmission flush. That took care of most all the cases but occasionally they were too far gone and a new convertor was the fix. No salesman would dream of mentioning that flush as preventative maintenence, but despite it not being listed as such in the owners' manuals, we recommended it at 30,000 and cars that received that operaton never developed the shudder.

[@zacinnc78]

what about brand new vehicles that have the shutter ?

[@thomasroberts8024]

@@zacinnc78 Do not know. My only experience with the malfunction was on Ford V8 cars. The ones that went away about a dozen years ago. Last produced in the 2010 model year.

[@zacinnc78]

what i meant was did u deal with ones that shuddered even when they were brand new...not so much todays models specifically(even though im looking for answeres for my 2022 tacoma that has the shutter since day 1)

[@thomasroberts8024]

@@zacinnc78 We never had a new one with the concern. It took some time for the fluid to deteriorate to where the clutch took several rapid applications (generating the noise) before it would hold. I've never had a look at a Toyota lock-up device so I can't speculate on a cause. When I use the term clutch, it's because the Ford unit really was a miniature pressure plate/disc thing, good to transmit only enough torque to pull the vehicle through the air at a steady speed. Ask any more from it and it unlocked. I think Toyota owes you a new one if you're still in warranty, and being a 2022, it should be. Doesn't powertrain wty go to 60k?

[@tworegon]

Oh how I remember my 85 El Camino with a torque converter lock-up problem. It locked up way too soon (around 27mph) causing the engine to lug. I had to go into arbitration with GM to get it fixed - at another dealership - who did finally fix it. On that El Camino, it shouldn't have locked up before about 38mph. But the first dealership tried to tell me it was normal - "they all do it" BS.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

My '86 Monte Carlo LS locked up about 36 MPH...

[@sunking2001]

AMD is a natural professor. He would excel as a teacher in front of a master class on auto mechanics. A video like this one shows even more the importance of keeping clean fluid in your tranny. Same with the engine.

[@brandonedwards4398]

Best video on torque converters I’ve ever watched. Thank you!

[@kaafromoz]

A fantastic video AMD TY, I loved it as you explained it so very well. Like always I learn something new and something explained brilliantly. TY Sir Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘💖💖💖💖

Amazing video.

[@davidgrisez]

This is a good description and explanation of the torque converter on an automatic transmission car. It is possible that one of the most complex torque converters historically was used on the 1957 to 1960 Chevrolet cars that was known as the turbo glide transmission. This torque converter had 5 elements, it had one pump, one stator that could change pitch and 3 turbines. One turbine for first gear another turbine for second gear and a final turbine for third gear.

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

Yes and there are still a few around. Too bad it was discontinued as the idea had a lot of promise. I think Buick had a switch pitch converter also, but I am not sure how good they worked. Some of these old designs should be looked at for modern cars. There could be some manufacturing cost benefits as well as some fuel savings in these old designs by using today's computer controls. Maybe you don't need a complicated ten-speed transmission after all.

[@judyreyjumamoy]

i watched so many 3d animation in the past that i still have no clue how it works that i gave up but this sir is pure gold thank you

[@stuntdouble5933]

Thank you for thorough research. Could you at some point in time create a video for the most common issues with Lexus trunk locks not working, both with the remotes and switch. I have a 2006 LS430 that I cannot figure out. Yes, I've checked everything... And that car has more fuse box areas than any car I've ever owned. After 230k miles, something got to give.❤

[@jluna1279]

@sruntdouble5933 not 100% sure but i believe there is a cancel button in the glove box for the trunk lid. check and make sure its not activated.

[@stuntdouble5933]

@jluna1279 thanks, this model has it right next to the trunk open button left of the steering wheel...yes that has been looked at soon after we developed this issue a little over a year ago. thanks again

[@ahmedsaid2937]

Brother. I appreciate your videos. What is your opinion about 2010 toyota venza awd . Thanks

[@marblox9300]

Very smart engineers who designed this - and this man explains it better than anyone. Although I am still not an expert - at least I know a little more than I did.

[@DruMcDoo]

Must take my hat off to you for explaining in simple terms how a torque converter works. The guy who invented this was a genius. It's also had amazing engineers refining it to what it is today. It's so easy to take these things for granted. Never realised so many advancements had happened resulting in better fuel economy. Wonder how much difference there is now between advanced torque converters and traditional gearboxes when it comes to miles per gallon, especially when towing?

[@ybloodyangely]

Thank you for the very informative video. Do the Toyota's with a CVT transmission use the same style of torque converters or are they different? Specifically for the CVT with the 2ZRFE engine if you know.

[@rodh2168]

My 1990 Subaru Justy was the very first modern production vehicle to use a CVT. Subaru called it the ECVT. The transfer of power from the engine to the ECVT was via an electromagnetic clutch that was activated by a switch on the accelerator. Very cool. I prefer it over a toque converter.

[@jgn593]

Nope Daf was the first.

[@rodh2168]

@@jgn593 I said "modern". The Daf was 1954 using a leather belt.

[@jgn593]

​@@rodh2168than it was the Volvo 300 series.

[@rodh2168]

@@jgn593 Same vehicle different name. Volvo bought Daf, short for daffodil. Still not "modern". My Justy had two computers. One running the clutch and ECVT, the other running the rest of the vehicle. And it was 2-door 4WD. Only 8 of this configuration sold in Canada. Manual for clutch / ECVT was 5 inches thick. Ask me how I know.

[@donnmckinnon]

Wow! Your ability to explain something so complicated in understandable terms is amazing. Thanks

[@tahcogunworks]

Except he doesnt know how a stator works. Flawed video.

[@KRich408]

The part you're calling a pump is actually the impeller, the pump is usually the first thing in the transmission. Modern cars have front pumps older cars had a rear pump , the older automatics could be push , started because the pump was being turned by the drive shaft, theres 2 notches in the torque converter that engage the transmission pump.

[@Judge_Dredd]

All my cars have manual gearboxes. An automatic transmission turns hopes and dreams into extreme disappointment.

[@TheScrubmuffin69]

And speed if you're working with some horsepower. Faster than manuals but not as fun

[@2148aa]

Gives a man something to do with his hands.

[@Judge_Dredd]

@@TheScrubmuffin69 Flooring an auto is underwheming, not involved, wasteful, and boring, and a manual is more than just changing gear, you can better balance the car through corners and bends, through hazards, in poor weather, and also change your driving to short shift for economy. There is a reason why racing cars are manual, there's a reason why advanced car control is best achieved in a manual, there's a reason why emergency vehicles here in the UK are manual and driver training is so long, strict, and advanced. Automatics are for beginners and the lazy, people who think they can drive and discover they can't, and that is why we have two separate tests for manual or automatic, pass an automatic driving test and you're only allowed to drive automatic cars, pass a manual test and you can drive any car, because you're better trained, and a better driver. Countries that think there's no difference between the two, and think automatics are better, have worse per capita, per mile, death rates on their roads, because people aren't trained properly to drive.

[@Judge_Dredd]

@@2148aa I would argue I could steer better with my knees than anyone that drives an automatic using their hands, and so can my wife, because we're more aware of the weather and road conditions, and more aware of hazard perception, and skid control. Theory and training, starts with learner plates and a qualified driving instructor; just that and I would argue any UK Driver is 'advanced' compared to any US Driver, even your US Police. In terms of advanced training in Roadcraft, skid pan, off-road, and emergency driving using commentary in front of an advanced instructor, then we're incomparable. It's not just giving 'a man something to do with his hands', our women are better than you as well.

[@2148aa]

@@Judge_Dredd sticks and stones.........

[@whatsthatnoise954]

I agree with some of the other commenters. You did a very effective job explaining how these units work. I've watched a number of other folks try to explain torque converters over the past few years with much less success at making sense of it all. Thank you.

[@Paul-uf2ou]

I have seen these beautiful pieces of engineering on the workshop benches over the years since I was a kid. Nobody could explain the inner workings other than be told they were fluid couplings. This was so very informative to me, I really appreciate this explanation in simple terms, great work, thanks!

[@MrGentleNick]

The best explanation I have ever heard and seen. I have an Audi S3. And a friend at Audi R&D. He said, do not do the fast starts or burn outs, many want. Your car is set to test check parameters, it is not reduced to those sold after the reductions made before sent to sell for retail after you followed the things to do. More complicated than your S4 as needed less buttons to press to make unregulated, but still legal and no stages or chips needed

[@batrastardly4574]

Wow. My whole life I've comfortably plodded along by writing off what the torque converter did as pure magic. After watching this video I now have a great understanding of how it works ... but it's still magic! Thank you for this well done video.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

Your explanation took me from knowing zero, too having a pretty decent idea of how it works and what happened to my truck that was driven by my boys and grandson over the last 20 years, when it's transmission failed.

[@pajokard]

Wow! as DIY guy I had a nosebleed understanding how the torque converter works. But Ahmed explained it very well and probably better than most mechanical engineers. Thanks a bunch and God bless!

[@midas7394]

Your explanation of how a torque converter actually works is so fascinating that we have watched it a few times to absorb the technology. Thanks for sharing.

[@EfficientRVer]

I had a fun few years as a newly minted mechanical engineer, designing turbomachinery. Then they figured out that the new kid on the block could also debug old computer programs and write new ones. So I had 3 years of designing spinning blades with very precise mechanical and fluid-handling properties, then decades of software projects. Some of those software projects were still very related to mechanical engineering, including projects done for Chrysler's automatic transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana. Both for the 3-speed autos for FWD cars, then multiple projects when they created their first 4-speed automatic. Remember when a 4-speed automatic with lockup was a big deal? I do. Most of the work was pretty routine stuff for monitoring the assembly line, storing build data and for each transmission. The most interesting thing on the 4-speed project was that the amount of testing done while building it, had ballooned up to many types of tests with dozens or hundreds of possible error codes at each test stand along the line, with a nearly infinite number of combinations being possible. So, when the transmission was routed to a manual repair station in a "repair loop" off the side of the assembly line, it might have 5 error codes out of 100 set, in a combination never seen before. Some repair techs were better at guessing what the underlying cause was, than others. You know, the old guys who showed up to work for 30 years, sober every day, and paid attention. So, I personally wrote an "expert system" for tracking what repair codes worked on what combinations of error codes, to help recommend possible repair codes to try out on a previously-seen or completely new but similar pattern of error codes. If any one guy managed to do repairs which fixed a particular error code pattern, it became a recommended repair attempt, and statistics would eventually rank its effectiveness compared to other repair attempts. Maybe the first old guy did 2 repairs, and it worked. The next guy could do the same two repairs, or just one or the other, and see if it worked. Eventually, the easiest and most effective repairs became the recommendation, with the system showing the repairman the number of attempts and success rate for similar error codes and test results. It was super fun, and actually kept the "repair loops" where failed transmissions were routed, from becoming a traffic jam stopping the movement of the assembly line itself. Between that, and giving a new, unskilled employee a good chance of doing a repair as quickly and as well as the most skilled ones, I felt that maybe the cars would be a bit more reliable than they otherwise would be, and that the assembly plant might stay in the US rather than get the jobs shipped overseas. Indeed, that plant is still making transmissions. I'm not saying I'd trade my Prius Prime for any Chrysler product, but I think that the amount of engineering and manufacturing effort that it takes to build ANY modern car, is hard for someone to understand, who hasn't seen the amount of effort put into just one small piece of that, from the inside. The torque converter and turbocharger blading (compressor and turbine) are the only real turbomachinery in a typical car, though even the lowly HVAC blower wheel technically also is, just a very simple variety. Some of the turbomachinery blading I worked on, I printed out extra copies of with a pen plotter, to keep as art. So, I agree that pump/compressor/turbine blading can be a very beautiful thing. In one direction it might have perfect symmetry and repeating patterns, and in another direction it might have beautiful angles and curves. Form follows function. If you get the blading wrong by even a small amount, its efficiency becomes really bad.

[@donlunn792]

Back in 84, I was a technician in a BMW dealership. A customer purchased a 528i. Three weeks later he came in and said his car had a vibration.I drove it,sure enough it had this strange vibration. It was in and out of the workshop. We changed the transmission,BMW had us change the Diff/rear axle. Didn’t cure it. The car was taken to Bracknell (BMW UK) it came back and told us they cured it, they hadn’t it was just the same. I drove it,the Service Manager drove it.The sales Manager drove it.The Boss drove it for two days. Eventually the customer being given a terrific deal stayed true to BMW. And no further probs. The car was taken away by BMW, and never saw it or heard about it again. My point is, with all the changing over of various parts, we never Changed the torque converter. It was still the original torque converter. Having seen this brilliant vid I now know after all these years what the problem was. Until now I have never heard of this problem. So I can now continue with the rest of my life knowing what the problem was! Excellent vid. Wish I had access to the vid in 1980s. Many people say the internet causes modern day problems. No it doesn’t. The internet is a source of knowledge. If people abuse it then there is nothing we can do. I only know that I would not want to go back to not having this amazing invention at my fingertips.

[@ericw.1620]

This was great!! I'm not a mechanic or anything so I really didn't know much about how these work, other than the absolute basics like you explained in the beginning. The stuff with the stater and lockup clutch were completely new to me but made perfect sense thanks to how you explained it!

[@mmmark8737]

I remember the day my friend explained and showed a torque converter to me. Blew my mind.

[@oldarkie3880]

I think the planetary gears are genius too. Now we need another video on the planetary gears and how they shift while under full power.

[@dkk1404]

I have watched many videos on torque converters, trying to figure out how exactly is the mechanical construction of this device and I think your explanation is the best, thanks again for sharing this knowledge.

[@billcrane2444]

That's the best explanation I've ever heard about how a torque converter works. How many people have been sold an entire, new transmission when all they needed was a new torque converter? I recently installed a super heavy duty, billet, triple disk TC into my tubo-diesel pickup. It's even more of a towing machine now. I really like knowing how things work because it helps diagnose problems correctly. Also, you're an excellent speaker and presenter who can keep your audience's attention. Thanks.

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Excellent explanation. There are times that I find myself idling for extended periods, such as food drive throughs, known extremely long stop lights at intersections (3+ minutes), rush hour traffic sitting nearly stationary for 5 minute periods, for whatever reason waiting for something but needing to leave the vehicle running, etc. etc. I sometimes shift into Neutral and feel the engine relax a little and let the pads cool down while slightly away from the red hot rotors.

[@jpjp3873]

It blows my mind that someone could invent this stuff!

[@tonydavis190]

Very smart people indeed! This is why I hold engineers & physicists in such high regard!

[@1622steve]

I had the shuddering converter (2013 Camry). Thanks for the explanation! I still have the car and it's smooth as silk now!

[@juanojeda8069]

How has been fixed and cost?

[@1622steve]

@@juanojeda8069 It was repaired by Toyota in 2017 at no cost to me under the original warranty. I made it clear when I took it in that it was a design defect and that I expected it to be repaired at no cost.

[@ronbenson8484]

Perfect clear explanations. I learned so much. You are a natural teacher.

[@mulljacob]

I'm not a Shadetree mechanic, especially since I have a newer, mainly computer and sensor-run car. I've also learned that some things can be challenging to work on without experience. I am, however, curious about how things work. This channel is like going to a class on how cars work. 🤔

[@bobreiber2066]

Torque converters were like " black magic" .. Thank you for a great presentation that explains how they work..

[@allansplace]

Excellent tutorial on a crucial component tying the engine to the rest of the drive train. You've combined your skills in engineering, teaching, having an eye for art, and understanding your audiences' levels of technical understanding. Great video. You had me to the end!

[@johnaclark1]

That's one of the best explanations of the torque converter I've seen to date. Well done! Thanks!

[@CycleGeezer-cq9lm]

Ive only had a basically foggy understanding of how auto transmissions worked and almost no idea of how torque converters woeked. This presentation of how torque converters work is the first time I understood what was being explained. Well and knowledgeably explained. Thanks so much for this!

[@SomeRandomHuman717]

The first automotive-related use of a torque converter equipped automatic transmission was the Detroit Transmission Model 900-T used in Buick's M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer that Buick developed for the US Army Tank Destroyer Command. Sources quite often cite the M18 as the fastest tracked vehicle of World War 2, and it was with a reported top speed of around 60MPH. However, one has to start reading unit commander after action reports to understand that much more useful in armored combat than top speed was "tactical agility," at which the M18 was head and shoulders above any other armored vehicle in World War 2. Tactical agility is the ability of a vehicle to rapidly sprint from one fighting position to another in full throttle jumps over short distances. The relatively good horsepower to weight ratio of the M18 (about 400HP moving about 18 tons) was literally multiplied by its torque converter at a factor of 4.8 to 1, allowing a 400HP engine to deliver standing start power equivalent to a 1900HP engine. One M18 battalion commander likened the M18 to a polo pony.