Studder at low RPM's

[Joshw0000]

My 2012 has been having studdering issues for about 6 months. It's not horrible (yet) but it's getting annoying. It feels like the car needs to downshift when I'm not pulling it hard. Like it's not getting enough power and gently jerks to keep up with the throttle it's receiving.

It got pretty bad a few months ago and I changed the transmission fluid, followed by 2 tubes of Studder Fix. The car ran perfectly smooth for a month or two and slowly started to studder again so I added another tube of Studder Fix. I can feel the studder slowly coming back again.

At this point I don't know if I'm just delaying the inevitable or if the Studder Fix is a long term fix if I just keep adding it every couple months. I'm thinking the torque converter is going out. What do you think?

If it is the torque converter is it best to change it now or just keep adding the additive and prolong the repair?

 

[luigisho]

The answer, since I don't know your financial situation, is your individual tolerance to risk. I have mixed feelings about fluid band aids and I would not count on anything but a verified repair to breathe easy about getting stranded. If you have a 2nd car you throw caution to the wind. If I had good money I would get an accurate diagnosis hopefully by someone I trust. Not sure where you land but you already understand the situation enough to make the best choice for your circumstances.

 

[Joshw0000]

The answer, since I don't know your financial situation, is your individual tolerance to risk. I have mixed feelings about fluid band aids and I would not count on anything but a verified repair to breathe easy about getting stranded. If you have a 2nd car you throw caution to the wind. If I had good money I would get an accurate diagnosis hopefully by someone I trust. Not sure where you land but you already understand the situation enough to make the best choice for your circumstances.

I do have a beater truck but she's super reliable. I CAN afford to fix it but no one wants to sink money right now.

I guess my question is more along the lines of damage now vs damage later. I don't fully understand the inner workings of the transmission or torque converter. From the research I've done, I believe the torque converter is the issue. If I drive it until it fails, am I creating more damage or am I simply replacing the torque converter?

I hope that makes sense. Thanks.

 

[luigisho]

If it is a daily I would address it soon. Physical damage or wear is a slight concern but also fluid breakdown from overheating inside the unit. I would be paranoid and assume that the longer it is malfunctioning the more or increased damage could be happening to the clutches with overheated or incorrect fluid. Take the smaller hit to help prevent a larger issue. I am hoping you can actually tackle this yourself on a weekend or span of time at home to reduce cost and increase blood pressure.

 

[Joshw0000]

If it is a daily I would address it soon. Physical damage or wear is a slight concern but also fluid breakdown from overheating inside the unit. I would be paranoid and assume that the longer it is malfunctioning the more or increased damage could be happening to the clutches with overheated or incorrect fluid. Take the smaller hit to help prevent a larger issue. I am hoping you can actually tackle this yourself on a weekend or span of time at home to reduce cost and increase blood pressure.

Good point. I'm going to look for a good local tranny guy.