iateadonut

I have a 2001 v6 automatic.

I had some problems at high speeds. When I'm going about 75 miles per hour accelerating to 80 or so and usually when going uphill, the RPM's are way too high. Eventually, it goes into 'safe mode' (O/D light flashing) and drops down to about 2000 RPM's and everything seems to run fine.

I took it to a mechanic and he told me it is the torque converter clutch, but he also told me I should probably wait to fix it, as the lower gears are working fine and you should do a total overhaul when you get transmission work done.

My questions are:

1) Is there a way to make this vehicle go into 'safe mode' manually, so I don't have to deal with the few minutes of high RPMs?

2) Can I fix the torque converter clutch myself? Where do I find info on how to do this?

BabyGT

1) torque converter and clutch are two different things, torque converters are for auto cars, clutch is for manual.

2) there is no reason to not change a torque converter if it is acting up. Its not technically an internal part for either the motor or trans, but does require one or the other to be pulled from the car.

I'd head to a second mechanic for another opinion if the mechanic you went to was calling it a converter clutch.

iateadonut

In my mechanic's defense, the manual for this transmission specifically mentions a 'torque converter clutch'.

BabyGT

If he's talking about that piece then yes trans needs rebuild, but generally when they say torque converter they are talking about the piece between motor and trans that connects the two. I'd still get a second opinion.

Also in an 01 you have a 4R70W not and AOD-E, just splitting hairs on that one, they are basically the same, just nice to have the correct info.

iateadonut

Maybe I misunderstood on the phone, because I picked up the car today and the sheet said "Mechanical problem with torque converter, should replace or overhaul transmission at the same time."

Let's say I change my torque converter, should I get high stall or low stall? http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...ang&vi=1372632 Or just get stock?

Secondly, will it be enough to put my front wheels on ramps to drop the transmission?

BabyGT

Whole car will need to be in air as you will need to unbolt the driveshaft from the rear end, as well as you will need more clearance than that to get the trans out. If the car is stock then just go with a stock converter. No need to get anything performance.

iateadonut

I've got almost everything off. I CANNOT get off 3 of the torque converter bolts. Can I take the transmission off without taking the torque converter off first so I can cut the bolts off? (I'm replacing the torque converter)

PNYXPRESS

You should be able to pull the trans without the
TC. It will be messy though.

BabyGT

Wear clothes you don't care about and put down lots of absorbent material and carboard, sheets, towels, whatever you got, and expect to throw it all away. If you have never done this before chances are you're gonna come out looking like Carrie on prom night. But as far as the work goes its not bad. Much easier to install the converter on the trans before you reinstall it though.

PNYXPRESS

The cheapest absorbent you can get it kitty litter. I get a 28lb box for under $8 at Walmart.