B3000 SE Regular Cab 4WD V6-3.0L OHV (1998)
Torque Converter: Description and Operation
Torque Converter
The transmission uses a four-element torque converter to transmit and multiply torque. It contains the standard three elements which transmit and
multiply torque:
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Impeller
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Turbine
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Reactor
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Torque converter clutch
The torque converter clutch increases fuel economy in 3rd and 4th gears.
The operation of the torque converter components is as follows:
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Rotation of the converter housing and impeller set the fluid in motion.
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The turbine reacts to the fluid motion from the impeller, transferring rotation to the gear-train.
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The reactor redirects fluid going back into the impeller, allowing for torque multiplication.
The addition of a torque converter clutch to the torque converter provides a mechanical link between the converter housing and the engine,
allowing for direct transfer of power from the engine to the gear-train. The torque converter clutch is applied and released by fluid pressure, which
is controlled by the powertrain control module through a torque converter clutch solenoid in the main control valve body.