Torque Converter: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator and 2017 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The torque converter is a 4-element unit containing a 2-plate clutch. The clutch can be controlled and engaged in any gear, 2nd through 6th. Calibration parameters may be set to allow lockup in a higher gear only. The clutch is applied by removing fluid pressure from one side of the plate. The torque converter transmits and multiplies torque. The torque converter includes the following 4 elements:

Impeller assembly
Turbine assembly
Reactor assembly
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC)

Rotation of the torque converter housing and impeller set the transmission fluid in motion by driving the impeller blades and pump.

The turbine is driven by the transmission fluid from the impeller and transmits power to the input shaft.

The reactor redirects transmission fluid flow returned from the turbine to the impeller so that it rotates in the same direction as the impeller. This action assists in torque multiplication.

The reactor has a One-Way Clutch (OWC) to hold it stationary during torque multiplication and allows it to rotate at higher vehicle speeds.