Skylark L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (1997)
Torque Converter Clutch: Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
Noise - 4T60-E Transaxle
Important: Do not confuse this noise with pump whine noise, which is usually noticeable in Park, Neutral, and all other gear ranges. Pump whine
will vary with line pressure.
You may notice a torque converter whine when the vehicle is stopped and the transaxle is in Drive or Reverse. This noise will increase as you increase
the engine RPM. The noise will stop when the vehicle is moving or when you apply the torque converter clutch, because both halves of the converter
are turning at the same speed.
Perform a stall test to make sure the noise is actually coming from the converter:
1. Place your foot on the brake.
2. Put the gear selector in Overdrive.
NOTICE: You may damage the transmission if you depress the accelerator for more than six seconds.
3. Depress the accelerator to approximately 1200 RPM for no more than six seconds.
A torque converter noise will increase under this load.
Poor Acceleration at High Speed - 4T60-E Transaxle
If the stator is locked up at all times, performance is normal when accelerating from a standstill. Engine RPM and car speed are limited or restricted at
high speeds. Visual examination of the converter may reveal a blue color from overheating.
If the converter has been removed, you can check the stator roller clutch by inserting two fingers into the splined inner race of the roller clutch and trying
to turn the race in both directions. You should be able to freely turn the inner race clockwise, but you should be unable to move the race at all in a
counterclockwise direction.
Poor Acceleration at Low Speed - 4T60-E Transaxle
If the stator is freewheeling at all times, the car tends to have poor acceleration from a standstill. At speeds above 50 to 55 km/in (30 to 35 mph), the car
may act normally. For poor acceleration, you should first determine that the exhaust system is not blocked, and the transmission is in First gear when
starting out.
If the engine freely accelerates to high RPM in Neutral, you can assume that the engine and the exhaust system are normal. Check for poor performance
in Overdrive and Reverse to help determine if the stator is freewheeling at all times.
