As turbine speed increases and vortex flow decreases, the rotational force acting on the stator is reversed. The clutch rollers move away from their ramps, unlocking the clutch and allowing the stator to turn freely (clockwise). The direction of the fluid striking the stator blades also changes. Instead of flowing against the front of the stator blades, the fluid strikes the rear of the blades. If the clutch did not release the stator, its blades would generate turbulence in the flow, which would greatly reduce the torque converter’s efficiency.

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