Torque Converter Groove

Freakzilla69 · #1 10-10-2009, 09:00 PM

AAMCO told me my pump seal blew because there is a groove in the Torque Converter.

Is this a common problem or are they just trying to get more money from me?

Are TCs for 98 Windstar 3.8Ls hared t find?

Is it difficult to install?

I didn't have the money for them to put in a new one anyway, they said I could drive it but it would probably blow a seal again.

How likely is this to happen?

serge_saati · #2 10-14-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freakzilla69

AAMCO told me my pump seal blew because there is a groove in the Torque Converter.

Is this a common problem or are they just trying to get more money from me?

Are TCs for 98 Windstar 3.8Ls hared t find?

Is it difficult to install?

I didn't have the money for them to put in a new one anyway, they said I could drive it but it would probably blow a seal again.

How likely is this to happen?

Yes, it's a common problem. Other members had the same problem with their 98 and 2003.

The trans codes are not difficult to find, but require a special scan tool, not a cheap one.

Unfortunately, the torque converter is difficult to install. I don't think another seal will broke, but it may lead to a transmission failure, because the trans requires a lot of fluid to cool down and to reduces the friction inside.

Do you have a fluid leak?

serge_saati · #3 10-15-2009, 12:08 AM

Read this post, it can help you: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=951199

Freakzilla69 · #4 10-15-2009, 12:32 AM

It doesn't leak now.

The funny thing to me is, after the initial leak, I filled it back up and drove it about thirty miles before it got so bad it wouldn't hold fluid. And it shifted normally.

Now that AMMCO has resealed it, I must rev the engine up and let of the gas to get it to shift into 2nd and OD.

I suspect they sabotaged my van.

serge_saati · #5 10-15-2009, 11:31 AM

No, I don't think they sabotage your van. When the leak is sealed, there's is more hydraulic pressure inside the transmission pump. You need to rev up to circulate the high pressure fluid into the trans, then rev down, so it doesn't slip when gears change.

I think they don't sealed correctly, I mean there's too much pressure, the fluid stagnates into the trans. They put to much seal into the pump.

If you remove the seal back, it'll shift normally during certain times, but the trans will overheat. And also it'll not able to shift at all.

Freakzilla69 · #6 10-15-2009, 11:50 AM

Could it be possible they forgot to reconnect something, like a speed sensor?

serge_saati · #7 10-15-2009, 11:59 AM

No, if the speed sensor is disconnected, you'll not have speed display in your dashboard.
When you shift from 1st to 2nd manually, does-it act the same way? Or you can start in 2nd.

Freakzilla69 · #8 10-15-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serge_saati

No, if the speed sensor is disconnected, you'll not have speed display in your dashboard.

Isn't there a Vehicle Speed Sensor and a Transmission Speed Sensor?

Quote:

When you shift from 1st to 2nd manually, does-it act the same way? Or you can start in 2nd.

I've only driven it home from the shop but it will start in second. I drove it most of the way home in 2nd.

serge_saati · #9 10-15-2009, 12:19 PM

No, the Vehicle Speed Sensor is incorporate into the transmission. It measures the speed of the output shaft X a gear set factor, then send it to the PCM who calculate the speed of the car by using the final drive ratio and the tire circumference data.

The other speed sensor is the ABS speed sensor. It's used only to detect when a wheel lock to activate the ABS.

Freakzilla69 · #10 10-15-2009, 12:34 PM

OK, a TC is $160 at Napa. I may try to do this myself.

Any tips?

serge_saati · #11 10-15-2009, 12:44 PM

Seriously, I don't recommand you to install it yourself if you never did it. It's not that easy.
Why you don't ask a mechanic to do it for you? Not necessary AAMCO, but another mechanic.

Freakzilla69 · #12 10-15-2009, 12:53 PM

If I had the money to pay a mechanic I wouldn't be here.

serge_saati · #13 10-15-2009, 12:57 PM

I know, garage are expensive.
But there's a lot of self-employee mechanics that will be happy to do it for you for 25$/h.
They can come to your place and do the job. You can find them on kijiji/craiglist.

Freakzilla69 · #14 10-15-2009, 01:08 PM

Believe me, I don't WANT to do it.

I've called AutoDoctoRX and requested an extimate to replace the TC...

serge_saati · #15 10-15-2009, 01:17 PM

Ok, you need to remove the transmission first, then remove the bolts that hold the converter to the flywheel.

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