Torque Converter Replacement Cost

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

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What Affects Torque Converter Replacement Cost

The torque converter sits between the engine and the automatic transmission. It transfers power through fluid, multiplies torque when you pull away from a stop, and uses a lockup clutch to connect the engine and transmission directly at cruising speed. When a converter fails, symptoms can include shudder, slipping, overheating, stalling or noise.

Replacing a converter isn’t a bolt-on job under the hood. On almost every vehicle, the transmission has to come out to reach it. That’s why torque converter replacement cost is driven heavily by labor and by what condition the transmission is in. At Sun West Transmissions in Glendale, cost depends on the vehicle and findings, and estimates are free. Call (623) 473-9800.

How a Torque Converter Fails

Lockup clutch wear: the friction lining on the converter clutch wears or glazes, causing shudder at steady speeds. See torque converter shudder.
Overheating: heavy towing or slipping can overheat the converter, damaging the clutch and the fluid.
Stator or bearing failure: can cause poor acceleration from a stop, whining or overheating.
Seal or hub damage: can lead to leaks at the front of the transmission.
Contamination: when the transmission fails internally, debris is pumped through the converter.

Our what is a torque converter guide explains how the parts work together.

The Main Cost Factors

Labor to Remove the Transmission

Because the converter is bolted to the engine’s flexplate and slides into the front of the transmission, the transmission must be removed. On a rear-wheel-drive pickup, that may be relatively straightforward. On a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle, axles, subframes, exhaust parts and other components often have to come out. Labor time is usually the largest part of the bill.

Type of Converter

Options include factory replacement, remanufactured converters and heavy-duty or billet-cover converters for trucks and performance applications. Heavy-duty converters cost more but can hold up better to towing and heat. For GM transmissions, a billet converter adds about $300 to our rebuild pricing.

The Condition of the Transmission

This is the big one. If the converter failed on its own and the transmission is healthy, replacing the converter, flushing the cooler and refilling the fluid may solve the problem. If the converter failed because of an internal transmission problem, or debris from the converter has contaminated the transmission, the transmission may need to be rebuilt at the same time. Replacing only the converter in that case usually leads to a repeat failure.

Front Seal, Pump Bushing and Related Parts

While the transmission is out, the front pump seal and bushing should be inspected and usually replaced. A worn bushing can damage the new converter hub and cause leaks.

Cooler Flush

Converter failures often send debris into the cooler and lines. These must be flushed or replaced so the debris doesn’t return.

Software and Relearn

Some vehicles need an adaptive relearn after converter replacement so the computer controls lockup smoothly.

Converter or Something Else?

Many symptoms that feel like a converter problem have other causes. A shudder around 40 to 50 mph is often the converter clutch, but it can also be worn fluid, an engine misfire or a driveline issue. Some shudder complaints on modern transmissions are improved with a fluid change and updated software. That’s why diagnosis comes first. See transmission diagnostic cost for what a proper diagnosis involves.

On certain GM eight-speeds and 6L80E trucks, shudder is a well-known complaint. Our 8L90 shudder and 6L80E converter shudder pages explain the typical causes.

Rebuild With Converter vs. Converter Only

If the transmission needs a rebuild, a new or remanufactured converter is normally part of the job. Our confirmed GM rebuild starting prices include removal and installation: 4L60E from $2,795, 4L80E from $2,995, 6L80E from $4,495 and 6L90E from $4,795, with a billet converter adding about $300. For converter-only jobs and other transmissions, we quote after inspection. Read our torque converter replacement service page.

When to Stop Driving

If the vehicle overheats, the engine stalls when you come to a stop, or the transmission slips badly, pull over and call. A failing converter can overheat the fluid quickly in Arizona heat. Read transmission overheating for what to do.

Warranty and Financing

Qualifying transmission rebuilds and replacements include our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs. See our warranty page and ask about financing.