Find solution

Theres nothing wrong with a locked-up torque converter; as a matter of fact, lock-up torque converters have been making automatic transmissions more efficient for decades. Youll only encounter brief periods during your driving cycle where converter lock-up is not beneficial.

Converter Operation

Torque converters are fluid couplers. A turbine fan attached to the outer case (which is bolted to the engine) pushes transmission fluid through a matching turbine on the transmission input shaft. The engine doesnt push enough fluid when idling to engage the transmission turbine. As rpm rises, that fluid will begin to push against and spin the transmission-side turbine, engaging it and moving the car.

The Problem

Because there was no direct connection between the engine and transmission, a non-lock-up converter will always get worse fuel mileage than a manual transmission, which uses a clutch.

Lock-Up Function

A lock-up converter uses a clutch pack very similar to those inside the transmission itself to lock the converter case to the transmission input shaft. At about 25 mph, the computer sends a signal to an electronic actuator inside the transmission to engage the clutch pack and lock the drive line together.

Engine misfiring usually results from simple, easily fixed problems. Engines most commonly begin to run roughly or miss as a result of wear and tear on components, which you can find at your local auto supply store. The problem usually stems originally from water, dirt or wear and their effect on engine performance.

Fuel Injectors and Water

Fuel injectors become dirty. They clog and prevent cylinders from receiving enough fuel. For a simple solution to this problem, run injector cleaner through the system. If it does not stop the misfire, the injectors may require cleaning or replacement. Water that condenses in the gas tank and enters the fuel can also cause an engine to miss; add a water-removing product to the gas to remove the water.

Spark Plugs

Spark plug failure is the most common cause of engines misfiring. Spark plugs corrode with exposure to carbon; this build p on the electrode inhibits the spark or prevents it altogether. Spark plugs can also become fouled by a rich gas mixture, or oil from leaking cylinders. To remedy this problem, install new spark plugs.

Spark Plug Wires

Bad spark plug wires also cause engines to misfire. This problem can often prove difficult to diagnose because the outside of the wires may look fine. The wires contain a graphite conducting wire that can break, however. Other plug wire problems can result from a wire developing small cracks or burns from hot engine parts. Moisture enters the wire, causing it to lose conductivity and in turn causing the engine to misfire.

Filters

Fuel filters become dirty, which can cause the engine to misfire due to lack of fuel to the cylinders. Fortunately, you can change the fuel filter easily. The air filter can also cause your engine to misfire; a dirty air filter causes the engine to receive a bad fuel mixture, resulting in misfire. Dirty fuel filters can also foul spark plugs. Change your fuel and air filters to allow your engine to run more smoothly without missing.

A bad ignition switch that intermittently goes off can cause a vehicle to die while youre driving. This can be dangerous, especially in heavy traffic. Having information on intermittent car ignition problems can be beneficial to automobile owners.

Causes

A couple of things that can cause an automobile to experience intermittent ignition problems. Sometimes these issues happen because you have a faulty ignition coil. However, the problems can also stem from a failed crankshaft position sensor.

Ignition Check

When experiencing intermittent car ignition problems, you and an assistant can perform a spark check in an effort to identify the problem. If the motor has spark plug wires, they should be taken off and placed beside the engine block. As your assistant starts the engine, your job is to check for a spark, because failure of the wire to produce a spark indicates a faulty ignition system.

Shock Warning

During the spark check with your assistant, you will need to be caul, especially after the vehicle has been started. You should make no contact with the wires, because if the ignition system turns out to be in working order while youre touching them, you could receive an electric shock.

Speedometers are a simple automotive gauge that most of us take for granted -- until they start malfunctioning. Older analog speedometers often stick due to problems with their speedometer cable or wear and tear damage to the speedometer itself. Digital speedometers and gauges in newer cars that "stick" or remain at a specific speed likely necessitate replacement by a dealership.

Speedometer Cable Lubrication

Older cars and trucks have a speedometer cable that attaches from the transmission or transfer case to the gauge cluster in the cabin of the vehicle. Removing the gauge cluster will give you access to the cable, which resembles a coaxial cable that you attach to your television. Use speedometer cable lubricant, which can be purchased at any automotive supply store, to re-lubricate the cable within its sheath. Reattach the cable, replace the gauge cluster and see if the issue has been resolved.

Broken Speedometer Cable

A broken speedometer cable can cause a speedometer to remain stuck at a specific speed, but will often first exhibit a bouncing speedometer readout. If the cable snapped in such a way so as to prevent the speedometer from falling back to zero, the result would be a stuck gauge. Remove the gauge cluster and replace the speedometer cable by detaching it from the gauge and transmission or transfer case and pulling it through the vehicle firewall. Installation is the opposite of removal.

Damaged Analog Cluster

On older cars, the analog cluster can wear out just as the speedometer cable itself wears out. Unfortunately, the odometer is often built into the speedometer, and replacing the gauge cluster means installing an odometer that does not accurately reflect the mileage on the car. This can be an issue if you choose to sell your car or if you need to file any insurance claims.

Digital Readouts and Newer Cars

Digital speedometer and gauge clusters on newer cars often do not have physical speedometer cables connecting the transmission to the gauge. This can be more reliable as there are fewer moving parts, but means that there are fewer do-it-yourself fixes for a malfunctioning gauge. Contact your dealership for information on possible electrical issues that would cause your speedometer to stick.