Cadillac Repair: trans, torque converter clutch, larry weaver

Question
I own a 98' Ford Taurus 3.0 V-6 automatic. Today after having my car in for routine transmission maintenance, the transmission mechanic told me my torque converter does not engage. He drove it and said it did not engage. He also said one of my scanned trouble codes said the torque converter was malfunctioning. He said that it was cheaper to just replace the whole transmission. My questions are; Does the car trouble codes also cover transmission problems like sensors or performance problems? Can this really happen? Can it be economically fixed? What will happen if I continue to drive the car with the non-functioning torque converter? The car runs fine to me with no discernable transmission problems. Have you heard this before? How can I tell if my torque converter is not functioning properly? What is the test for this? Please respond. Sincerely, Larry Weaver, Quincy, California


Answer
Hi Larry, You might want to repost your question under the Ford heading instead of Cadillac but this is how the GM vehicles do it. Vehicles starting around 1996 with the OBDII computor system have the capability to store many differant codes...trans codes are included. Haveing the propper scan tool, in your case a Ford unit, will display many more data perameters than a generic one such as snap on has on the same vehicle. If the coolant sensor, brake switch, gear selector switch or torque converter clutch solinoid were defective then the tcc wouldn't be able to engage. With the scan tool it will show if the command has been sent by the computor or not. Replaceing a sensor is alot more economical that replacing a torque converter or transmission but you need to find a shop that is trustworthy and computor literate. If you continue to drive the car this way you will notice a decrease in fuel mileage...how much I don't know for sure but you will not hurt the trans at all. The best way to test tcc operation is by useing a scan tool and watching the rpms drop as the gears change and then when the tcc engages there will also be another rpm drop. Also the scan tool will show what gear it is in and if tcc is commanded and if it is on. At a steady speed of say 55mph with the engine at operating temperature if you very litely push on the brake pedal you might be able to feel the tcc disengage and an rpm increase. That means the tcc was on. Sure replaceing the complete trans and torque converter may cure the problem but if it was a wireing problem or bad computer then you will have replaced a trans for nothing and the shop probably won't refund your money. I would get a second opinion at a ford dealer and say that my check engine light was on and don't even mention that the trans shop had their hands on it and see what they say. Hope that clears it up for you abit. Bill