Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Outline General
The torque converter both transmits and
Torque converter multiplies the torque from the engine
Converter
using the ATF (Automatic Transaxle
case Fluid) into the transaxle (planetary gear
Pump impeller unit) as the medium.
Turbine
runner The torque converter consists of the
Stator Stator pump impeller, turbine runner, one-way
shaft
clutch and stator, and the converter case
One-way which contains all of these components.
clutch

from to The converter is filled with the ATF,

Engine Transaxle
which is supplied by the oil pump.
The engine rotates and the pump impel-
Transaxle
input shaft
ler rotates, then this fluid is forced out
from the pump impeller in a powerful
Oil pump
stream that rotates the turbine runner.

Torque converter
HINT:
Turbine Pump
Engine Transaxle
For ATF, DEXRON II or Toyota type
runner impeller
input
shaft
Stator T-IV is used.

(1/1)

Construction Pump Impeller

The pump impeller is integrated with the
converter case and is connected to the
crankshaft via the drive plate.
Many curved vanes are mounted on the
inside of the pump impeller.
A guide ring is installed on the inner
Drive
Pump impeller
(vane)
edges of the vanes to provide a path for
plate smooth fluid flow.
Converter
case

from
Engine

Vane
Guide
ring
Guide
ring

(1/1)

©2003 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION. All right reserved.

-1-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Turbine Runner
Many vanes are installed in the turbine
runner, as in the pump impeller.
Turbine The direction of the curvature of these
runner
(vane)
vanes is opposite from that of the pump
impeller vanes. The turbine runner is
installed on the transaxle input shaft so
that the vanes inside it oppose pump
Transaxle
input shaft
impeller vanes with a very small gap in
between.
from
Engine
HINT:
The turbine runner rotates with the
transaxle input shaft when the vehi-
Vane
cle is running with the shift lever posi-
Guide tion in the "D", "2", "L" or "R" range.
Guide
ring
ring However, it is stopped rotating when
the vehicle is stopped. When the shift
lever position is in the "P" or "N"
range, the turbine runner rotates
freely with the rotation of the pump
impeller.
(1/1)

Stator
Turbine runner Pump impeller The stator is located between the pump
impeller and the turbine runner. It is
Stator
Transaxle case mounted, via a one-way clutch on the
Stator shaft
stator shaft, which is fixed to the tran-
from Engine
saxle case.
1. Stator operation
One-way clutch
The flow of the fluid returning from
the turbine runner to the pump impel-
ler is in the direction that impedes the
rotation of the pump impeller.
Curved vane Therefore, the stator changes the
direction of fluid flow so that it strikes
to Back of pump impeller the back of the vanes of the pump
impeller, giving the pump impeller an
added "boost" and thus increasing
from Turbine runner
torque.
2. One-way clutch operation
Path of fluid if there
The one-way clutch allows the stator
were no stator to rotate in the same direction as the
engine crankshaft. However, if the
stator would start to rotate in the
reverse direction, the one-way clutch
locks the stator in order to prevent it
from rotating.
(1/1)

-2-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Principle of Torque Converter Transmission of Torque

When the pump impeller speed increases, centrifugal
Turbine runner Pump impeller force causes the fluid to start flowing outward from the
center of the pump impeller. As the pump impeller speed
rises further, the fluid is forced out away from the pump
impeller.
The fluid strikes the vanes of the turbine runner, causing
the turbine runner to start rotating in the same direction
as the pump impeller.
Fluid flows inward along the vanes of the turbine runner.
When it reaches the interior of the turbine runner, the run-
ner's curved inner surface redirects the fluid back toward
the pump impeller, and the cycle begins again.

Transmission of torque is effected by the fluid circulation

through the pump impeller and turbine runner.

(1/1)

Torque Multiplication
Toque multiplication by the torque converter is performed
by returning the fluid, which still has energy after it has
passed through the turbine runner, into the pump impeller
by use of the stator vane.
In other words, the pump impeller is rotated by the torque
from the engine, to which is added the torque of the fluid
returning from the turbine runner. That is to say, the pump
impeller multiplies the original input torque for transmis-
sion to the turbine runner.

Turbine Pump
runner impeller

Stator

(1/1)

-3-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Torque Converter Performance Torque Ratio and Transmission Efficiency

Torque multiplication by the torque converter becomes
Coupling range greater in proportion to the vortex flow. This means that
Converter range (%)
the torque becomes the maximum when the turbine run-
100 ner is stopped.
Transmission
Torque converter operation is divided into two operating
efficiency 80 ranges:

Transmission
Torque ratio

efficiency
60 • The converter range, in which torque multiplication
2 takes place.
40
• The coupling range, in which simple torque transmis-
1 Torque ratio sion but no torque multiplication occurs.
20

The clutch point is the dividing line between these two

ranges.
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
Speed ratio
The transmission efficiency of the torque converter indi-
Torque ratio cates how effectively the energy imparted (given) to the
Turbine runner output torque
=
Pump impeller input torque pump impeller is transmitted to the turbine runner.
The energy here refers to the engine output itself and is
Transmission efficiency
Turbine runner output × proportional to the engine speed (rpm) and torque.
= 100 (%)
Pump impeller input Since the torque is transmitted at nearly 1:1 in a fluid cou-
Turbine runner output torque
=
Pump impeller input torque
× speed ratio × 100 (%) pling, the transmission efficiency in the coupling range
Speed ratio
increases linearly in proportion to the speed ratio.
=
Turbine runner rpm However, the transmission efficiency of the torque con-
Pump impeller rpm
verter does not reach 100%, but is generally approx.
95%. This energy loss is due to the heat generated in the
fluid and friction. When the fluid circulates, it is cooled by
the oil cooler.
(1/1)

-4-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Stall Point and Clutch Point

Coupling range
Converter range (%)
1. Stall point
The stall point refers to the situation in which the tur-
100
bine runner is motionless. The difference in rotation
speeds between the pump impeller and the turbine
80
runner is at a maximum.

Transmission
Torque ratio

3
The maximum torque ratio of the torque converter is at

efficiency
60
2
Clutch point the stall point. (It is generally in a range between 1.7
40 and 2.5.) The transmission efficiency is 0.
1 Stall point
HINT:
20
In the stall test described later, the performance of the
torque converter and engine output are tested by the
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
engine being run at full throttle (full load) at this stall
point.
Speed ratio
2. Clutch point
As the turbine runner starts to rotate and the speed
ratio increases, the difference in rotational speed
between the turbine runner and pump impeller starts
to decrease.
However at this time, the transmission efficiency
increases. The transmission efficiency is at its maxi-
mum just before the clutch point.
When the speed ratio reaches a specified level, the
torque ratio becomes almost 1:1.
In other words, the stator starts to rotate at the clutch
point and the torque converter to operate as the fluid
coupling in order to prevent the torque ratio from fall-
ing below 1.

SERVICE HINT:
Stall test
This test is used to check the overall performance of
the engine and transaxle (the clutches and brakes of
the planetary gear unit).
It is carried out by rendering the vehicle immovable,
then measuring the engine rpm while shifting to the
"D" or "R" range and depressing the accelerator pedal
all the way.
(1/1)

-5-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Stator One-way Clutch Function Description

The direction of the fluid entering the stator from the tur-
One-way
clutch
bine runner depends on the difference in the rotational
Stator vane
locked speeds between the pump impeller and turbine runner.
1. When the rotation speed difference is large
The fluid strikes the front surfaces of the stator vanes,
causing the stator to rotate in the direction opposite
that of the direction in which the pump impeller
rotates. However, the pump impeller cannot rotate in
the opposite direction because the stator is locked by
the one-way clutch. Therefore, the direction of the
fluid flow is changed.
2. When the rotation speed difference is small
One-way Some of the fluid flowing from the turbine runner flows
clutch
free into the rear surface of the stator vanes. When the
Stator vane speed difference is at minimum, much of the fluid sent
from the turbine runner contacts the rear surface of
the stator vanes.
In such a case, the stator vanes interfere with the fluid
flow. The one-way clutch makes the stator idle in the
same direction that the pump impeller is rotating and
the fluid returns smoothly to the pump impeller.
SERVICE HINT:
• When the stator cannot be locked, symptoms of
acceleration failure occur due to the system being in
the coupling range. On the other hand, when the sta-
tor cannot rotate freely, the system remains in con-
verter range and the symptom occurs such the
speed does not increase above a certain speed.
• Inspection of One-way Clutch
(1/1)

Inspection of One-way Clutch

One-way clutch inspection method
SST (1) Insert the SST in the inner race of the one-way clutch.
(2) Install the SST so that it fits in the notch of the con-
verter hub and other race of the one-way clutch.
(3) With the torque converter standing on its side, the
clutch should lock when turned counterclockwise, and
should rotate freely and smoothly when turned clock-
wise.
Torque
converter
If necessary, clean the converter and retest the clutch.
Replace the converter if the clutch still fails the test.

(1/1)

-6-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Converter Operation Operation

A general description of torque converter operation when
the shift lever is shifted into a "D", "2", "L" or "R" is given
below.

Turbine Pump
runner impeller

Transaxle
case

1. Engine idling, vehicle stopped

When the engine is idling, the torque generated by the
engine itself is at a minimum. If the brakes (parking
brake and/or foot brake) are applied, the load on the
turbine runner is great because it cannot rotate.
Because the vehicle is stopped, however, the speed
Turbine Pump ratio of the turbine runner to the pump impeller is 0
runner impeller while the torque ratio is at a maximum. Therefore, the
turbine runner is always ready to be rotated with a
Transaxle higher torque than the torque generated by the
case
engine.
from
Engine

-7-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

2. Vehicle starting off

When the brakes are released, the turbine runner is
able to rotate with the transaxle input shaft.
Therefore, the turbine runner rotates with a torque
greater than that generated by the engine by depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. Thus, the vehicle starts to
Turbine Pump move.
runner impeller

Transaxle
case
from to
Engine Transaxle

3. Vehicle running at low speed

As the vehicle speed increases, the rotational speed
of the turbine runner quickly approaches that of the
pump impeller. Therefore, the torque ratio quickly
approaches 1.0. When the ratio of the turbine runner
speed to that of the pump impeller speed reaches the
Turbine Pump clutch point, the stator starts to rotate, and torque mul-
runner impeller tiplication decreases.
In other words, the torque converter starts to operate
Transaxle as a fluid coupling.
case
Therefore, the vehicle speed increases almost in lin-
from to
Engine Transaxle ear proportion to the engine speed.

-8-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

4. Vehicle running constantly at medium or high

speed
The torque converter functions only as a fluid cou-
pling. The turbine runner is rotating at a speed almost
identical to that of the pump impeller.

Turbine Pump
runner impeller

Transaxle
case
from to
Engine Transaxle

HINT:
• Under normal conditions when the vehicle starts off,
the torque converter reaches the clutch point 2 to 3
seconds. However, if the load is heavy even while
the vehicle is running at a medium or high speed, the
torque converter may operate in the converter range.
• When the brakes are released, even if the accelera-
tor pedal is not depressed, the vehicle slowly starts
to move. This is called creep phenomenon.
(1/1)

-9-
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Lock-up Clutch Mechanism Description

Damper spring The lock-up clutch mechanism con-

Friction
material nects the engine power directly and
Lock-up
Converter case mechanically to the automatic transaxle.
clutch Since the torque converter uses the fluid
Lock-up flow to transmit the power indirectly,
piston
there are power losses.
Turbine runner
hub Therefore, the clutch is attached in the
torque converter to connect the engine
and transaxle directly to reduce power
loss.
When the vehicle reaches a certain
Coupling range
speed, the lock-up clutch mechanism is
Converter range (%)
used to raise the power performance
Transmission
100
and fuel efficiency.

Transmission
80
Torque ratio
efficiency
3

efficiency
Lock-up
clutch ON
60 The lock-up clutch is installed on the tur-
2
40 bine runner hub, in front of the turbine
1 Torque ratio 20
runner.
The damper spring absorbs the torsional
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 force upon clutch engagement to pre-
Speed ratio vent the generation of shock.
Low vehicle speed A friction material (the same type that is
Medium to high
vehicle speed used in the brakes and on the clutch
disc) is bonded to the converter case or
lock-up piston of the torque converter to
prevent slippage at the time of clutch
engagement.
(1/1)

Operation
Turbine
runner Pump impeller When the lock-up clutch is actuated, it
Lock-up clutch rotates together with the pump impeller
Converter case and turbine runner.
Engaging and disengaging of the lock-
up clutch is determined by changes in
the direction of the hydraulic fluid flow in
the torque converter when the vehicle
reaches a certain speed.

Lock-up
relay valve

- 10 -
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

1. Disengaging
Turbine
runner
Fluid flow When the vehicle is running at low
Pump impeller
Lock-up clutch speeds, the pressurized fluid (con-
verter pressure) flows to the front of
Converter case
the lock-up clutch. Therefore, the
pressure on the front and rear sides
Pressurized of the lock-up clutch become equal,
fluid
so the lock-up clutch disengages.

Transmission passage
of power
ENGINE

DRIVE PLATE

CONVERTER CASE to Oil cooler

Lock-up
relay valve

PUMP IMPELLER

TURBINE RUNNER

TURBINE RUNNER HUB

INPUT SHAFT

2. Engaging
Turbine
runner
Fluid flow When the vehicle is running con-
Lock-up clutch Pump impeller
stantly at medium or high speed
(generally above 60 km/h), the pres-
Converter case
surized fluid flows to the rear of the
lock-up clutch. Therefore, the con-
Pressurized verter case and lock-up clutch are
fluid
directly connected. As a result, the
Drain lock-up clutch and converter case
rotate together (For example, the
lock-up clutch is engaged).
Transmission passage
of power
ENGINE

DRIVE PLATE
Lock-up
relay valve
CONVERTER CASE

LOCK-UP CLUTCH

TURBINE RUNNER HUB

INPUT SHAFT

(1/1)

- 11 -
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter

Exercise

Use the Exercises to check your level of understanding for the material in this Chapter. After answering each
Exercise, you can use the reference button to check the pages related to the current question. When you get
a incorrect answer, please return to the text to review the material and find the correct answer. When all
questions have been answered correctly, you can go to the next Chapter.

Chapter All Next Chapter All

Answers Answers
Correct Correct
Page with Exercises Page with Exercises
Related Text Related Text
Incorrect Incorrect
Answer Answer

Return to page of Return to page of

related text for review related text for review

- 12 -
Diagnosis Technicain - Automatic Transaxle Torque Converter
Question- 1
Mark each of the statements True or False.
.

No. Question True or False Correct Answers

Torque transmission is performed by the fluid circulation through the

1 True False
pump impeller and turbine runner.

2 The stator multiples the torque. True False

At the clutch point, the rotational speed difference between the

3 True False
pump impeller and turbine runner is the maximum.

The torque converter does not function without the lock-up clutch
4 True False
mechanism.

Question- 2
The following illustration shows the torque converter construction. From the word group, select the words that corre-
spond to 1 to 5.
.

3
1

2
5

a) Pump impeller b) Turbine runner c) Stator d) One-way clutch e) Converter case

Answer: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Question- 3
The following statements pertain to the torque converter operation. Select the statement that is True.

1. The pump impeller rotates at all times while the engine rotates.

2. The turbine runner rotates together the converter case as a unit.

3. When starting off, the stator starts to idle.

4. The engine operates and the turbine runner rotates so that the pump impeller is rotated.

- 13 -