Rover 400 (1995 - 1999) - 1997 1.6 Test for slipping torque converter please

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Wed 14 Jan 2009 10:28
1997 1.6 Test for slipping torque converter please - Vinnie
We have an Automatic Rover 400. Acceleration is pathetic and engine revs seem higher than we would expect for any given speed. Kickdown works. Putting your foot down increases the revs but negligible acceleration. Fuel consumption as about 28mpg on a long run.
Any ideas for how to check if torque converter is faulty, it feels like the fluids are flowing too easily in it, the vanes not trapping the fluid well enough allowing the revs to increase but no acceleration.
Does the converter use the same fluid as the box or is it a sealed unit please. Can I put a heavier fluid in the box if it is unsealed?
Any ideas please, Vinnie.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 14 Jan 2009 11:48
1997 1.6 Test for slipping torque converter please - Number_Cruncher
Assuming that your car has a conventional automatic gearbox;

>>Does the converter use the same fluid as the box or is it a sealed unit please.

It will be the same fluid

>>Can I put a heavier fluid in the box if it is unsealed?

No.

You need to do, or have done for you a stall test. This will tell you if there's any slipping in the gearbox (note, despite the name, this is nothing to do with the tick over speed, or the engine stalling). Also, check the colour and smell of the transmission fluid - if it's brown and burnt, then you've got slip and wear problems.

Typically, torque convertors don't fail in a way to give more slip - it's much more likely to be a gearbox problem.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link