A torque converter is a fluid coupling used in automatic transmissions that transfers power from the engine to the transmission. It contains an impeller connected to the engine, a turbine connected to the transmission, and a stator in between. In different operating modes like stall and acceleration, the torque converter can multiply torque to help vehicles start moving or can act like a fluid coupling at higher speeds. Problems that can occur include overheating, stator clutch issues, blade damage, and housing distortion from extreme operating conditions.

2.  A torque converter is generally a type
of fluid coupling capable of producing
torque.
 Replacement of clutch for automatic
transmission vehicle.

3.  Impeller-Connected to the flywheel and
towards the gearbox
 Turbine-Facing the impeller and the main
shaft of the gear box is taken from the
turbine through the impeller.
 Stator-Between the impeller and turbine
Flywheel
Turbine
Impeller
Gearbox
Stator

6.  Stall-The prime mover is applying power to
the impeller but the turbine cannot rotate.
 Acceleration- The load is accelerating but
there still is a relatively large difference
between impeller and turbine speed. Under
this condition, the converter will produce
torque multiplication
 Coupling- The torque converter is behaving
in a manner similar to a simple fluid
coupling.

7.  Overheating-Continuous high levels of slippage resulting in
damage to the seals that retain fluid inside the converter.
 Stator clutch seizure- The inner and outer elements of the one
way stator clutch become permanently locked together,
thus preventing the stator from rotating during the coupling
phase.
 Stator clutch breakage- A very abrupt application of power
can cause shock loading of the stator clutch, resulting in
breakage.
 Blade deformation and fragmentation- If subjected to abrupt
loading or excessive heating of the converter, pump and/or
turbine blades may be deformed.
 Balloning-Operating a torque converter at very high
RPM may cause the shape of the converter's housing to be
physically distorted due to internal pressure.