The rotational force, or torque, of the engine is transferred to the automatic transmission through the torque converter. This section describes how the torque converter assembly components provide a fluid coupling, multiply torque at low speeds, and establish a direct mechanical link to the engine at high speeds.

The torque converter provides a fluid coupling between the engine crankshaft and the transmission. A flex plate is bolted to the rear of the crankshaft, and the torque converter is bolted to the flex plate.

The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in the torque converter transfers the spinning motion of the crankshaft to the transmission input shaft. Whenever the engine is running, the torque converter is spinning.

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