How much is a flywheel and torque converter? Are those parts worth replacing on my vehicle?

On yesterday, I took my car to a mechanic shop. I was told once they did a diagnostic and reviewed some other things on my 2003 Ford Taurus, that it needed a new starter. I then had the starter replaced after that the mechanic called me and informed me that the vehicle still would NOT START!

I was then told that a flywheel and torque converter needs to be replaced in my car; its not a guarantee but it could very very well be that. Simply because when you turn the ignition the fly wheel and torque converter is not catching in order for the ignition to start.

So shortly thereafter, I asked t

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
When the starter was diagnosed as bad the flywheel teeth the starter mate to when trying to turn over the engine may have broken or worn teeth and cannot engage each other anymore. Why the torque converter would need replaced I would need to know if the transmission has a shifting problem? I do not see why it would need to be replaced to get the vehicle to crank over. If you do not trust your mechanic word on the needed repairs then have a second opinion check from another mechanic like one from YourMechanic.

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The good news is, if it is just your torque converter that is having issues since it`s a self-contained unit, you may not need to replace or rebuild your whole transmission. Torque converters can be serviced or replaced as a single unit.
1. Damaged Torque Converter Seals. If the torque converter seal is damaged, it could cause the transmission fluid within the bell housing to leak. When that happens, the torque converter will be unable to provide a smooth transfer of power from the engine to the transmission.
The likely culprit will be a faulty torque converter, and we recommend not driving the car until you fix it.
A damaged fin or bearing in the torque converter can cause hesitation in the transmission shifting, or the transmission to slip out of gear entirely. This is because the engine torque is not being efficiently converted into the hydraulic pressure needed to shift gears within the transmission.
If you experience your transmission slipping, overheating, or making unusual noises, you may need torque converter repair. Another sign of a possible torque converter issue is if your transmission fluid is an opaque, dark red or if it smells bad.
It converts power from the engine into hydraulic pressure that ultimately controls the shifting. A failing torque converter is one of the most common transmission problems we see, and when it fails it usually leads to other internal transmission damage.
Also, a faulty seals or faulty clutch solenoid can be to blame. A faulty seal can allow fluid to leak and become contaminated. A bad torque converter can damage a transmission. Bad torque convertors can lead to damage, overheating, friction, and transmission fluid degradation.
P0740 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for “Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction”. This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation.
Rattling is one sound you want to be aware of. If you hear odd rattling sounds when you accelerate, this might be a symptom of a bad torque converter. The same can be true of whirring noises.
SYMPTOMS – Failed in the Open Position

With the transmission unable to slip, the engine will stall when the vehicle comes to a stop. This type of solenoid failure will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate.

In brief, the torque converter is a type of fluid coupling, which allows the engine to spin somewhat independently of the transmission. It is responsible for pressurizing automatic transmission fluid, a pressurization that supplies the force necessary to shift transmission gears.
A torque converter can last for the entire lifetime of a vehicle, which is typically around 200,000 miles. However, there is no set time that a torque converter will last or should be replaced by, according to MyCarMakesNoise.
Hello – while you could re-use the torque converter (both cars use the AODE 4-speed transmission), I wouldn`t. Lots of reasons – if the old transmission self-destructed, there is virtually NO chance to get any debris captured in the old torque converter out of it with fluid flushing.
Automotive torque converters connect an engine to an automatic transmission and multiply engine torque for increased low-speed acceleration.
An out-of-balance or damaged torque converter will also shake the vehicle. This is most common after engine or transmission repair or after a collision.
Between the engine and the complicated gear sets, a torque converter provides an interconnecting link, and without it, the car wouldn`t move. To better understand how an automatic transmission works, it`s key to understand how a torque converter works.
It converts power from the engine into hydraulic pressure that ultimately controls the shifting. A failing torque converter is one of the most common transmission problems we see, and when it fails it usually leads to other internal transmission damage.
Yes. The torque converter is part of the powertrain. It is part of the transmission. The car does not need a torque converter to run.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

How much is a flywheel and torque converter? Are those parts worth replacing on my vehicle?
ANSWER : When the starter was diagnosed as bad the flywheel teeth the starter mate to when trying to turn over the engine may have broken or worn teeth and cannot engage each other anymore. Why the torque converter would need replaced I would need to know if the transmission has a shifting problem? I do not see why it would need to be replaced to get the vehicle to crank over. If you do not trust your mechanic word on the needed repairs then have a second opinion check from another mechanic like one from YourMechanic.

Flywheel to torque converter installation
ANSWER : Hello and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. The 2007 Dodge Durango could have had a different transmission. I suggest putting on the old flex plate that was on your old engine onto the newer engine. Then the bolts will align up with your transmission torque converter. Also, I highly recommend replacing the rear main seal on the newer engine that you are putting in since you will have access to it, to prevent any prematurely leaks. If you need further assistance with your vehicle, then I recommend getting in touch with a local expert to see if they can guide you through this.

How do you remove the torque converter bolts off the flywheel? 2005 GMC Envoy Denali
ANSWER : Hello – with the vehicle safely supported to provide clearance underneath – in between the engine oil and transmission pan, there is a large, funnel-shaped aluminum casting (called the bellhousing), that physically mounts the engine to the transmission. At the forward vertical face of the bellhousing (immediately behind the engine oil pan), is an access plate – remove it. The engine flywheel/flex plate is now exposed. There will be 3-4 bolts, which go through the flex plate to the torque converter, which hold the torque converter to the engine flywheel/flex plate. Turn the crank from the front crankshaft pulley bolt (CLOCKWISE facing the nose of the engine) a bit, remove a bolt, turn the crank a bit further, remove the next bolt, etc. until all the torque converter bolts are removed. At this point, you should be able to slide the torque converter toward the rear of the vehicle 1/4-1/2" by hand. This will confirm that all bolts are out. You will also be able to rotate the torque converter by hand, without turning the engine. Remember this when re-assembling the engine/transmission, and it becomes to rotate the torque converter to line up the bolt holes in the flex plate. Proceed with the removal of the transmission.

Check Engine light comes on, mechanic replaced o2 sensor but light still comes on.
ANSWER : Hi there:

If the mechanic completed the O2 sensor replacement, reset the codes and the error code was triggered again, it is possible that the catalytic converter is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, it’s also very common for the electrical harnesses that power these sensors to become frayed, damaged or faulty; which can also trigger the check engine light. It’s not advisable to drive a vehicle with a damaged catalytic converter for extended periods of time, as it can cause damage to internal engine components.

I need to replace my catalytic converter and I wanted to see what are the main parts I will need to buy that comes with it?
ANSWER : The parts required to change out a catalytic convertor will really depend on what type of converter is going to be used. There are factory type replacements that will use a flange and just get bolted into place, that will require a new flange gasket and pipe clamp. Or there are aftermarket replacements that will require the pipe to be cut, and either welded, or clamped into place. Other than that, I would suggest that this is the perfect time to replace the oxygen sensor. Keep in mind, when removing the flange from the back of the engine, it is fairly common for the bolts and/or studs to break, due to all of the heat cycles that are associated with the exhaust/converter. As far as the rough starting issue, I would check the timing chain and tensioners. It sounds like there may be a possible issue with chain tensioner, and this can cause all kinds of problems, especially throwing off the timing and causing rough starting and running issues. If any of this sounds like something you could use a hand in diagnosing and/or repairing, contact a certified mechanic, like the mobile mechanics at YourMechanic.com.

Is $2300 too much to pay to replace 2 cat converters for a 2007 Pathfinder?
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Your particular make and model does utilize a catalytic converter on both sides of the engine. Catalytic converters are going to vary in price depending on the brand of replacement parts that you are getting. The price may go up if the shop only has access to certain parts, and dealership specific parts in particular can get expensive. Hence why there is such a market for other OEM parts. You may want to do some shopping online on your own and see what other replacement catalytic converts are going for. While the price is fair, it is higher than other exhaust and muffler shops might charge. Contact our service department for a quote from our technicians.

Do i need to replace the receiver drier and/or the expansion valve when replacing the condenser assembly?
ANSWER : Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve, replacement is not normally implicated in a leak repair, in your case a leak in the condenser. To justify replacing the expansion valve, there would have to have been a diagnostic performed which proved a fault. If no diagnostic was performed, and there is no evidence of a fault, then it is pointless to replace the valve. But, again, drier replacement is absolutely essential. To add the drier to your order, you can simply add a note to the mechanic in your order and/or add it as a service (you will see a link that you can click on to "add services" or write in specific services). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Need torque converter specs because I just replaced the transmission.
ANSWER : I’m not sure what you mean by torque converter specs. Torque converter end-play can be checked with a special tool and a dial indicator. This is done to determine the lateral movement of the turbine and stator. The repair information I have does not list this specification. If you have any doubts about the converter, I recommend replacing it. More often than not, the converter suffers contamination as a result of internal transmission failures and should be replaced anyhow.