P0741: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
The OBD2 error P0741 code triggers when the torque converter in your automatic transmission system is not functioning correctly.
If you are concerned about this code, let’s take a quick look at your situation.
- P0741 Definition: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
- Code type: Generic – P0741 indicates the same problem whether you’re having a Chevy, Honda, Toyota, etc.
- Can I drive with the P0741 code? No. This can damage other parts of the transmission.
- Is it easy to fix?: Intermediate to advanced levels.
- Cost: $100 – $400 (common)
To make it easier for you to identify the situation, we’ll dive into all kinds of causes and the solutions for the p0741 code.
Read further to make the right repair decision.
What Does The P0741 Code Mean?
P0741 is a transmission DTC code triggered when the difference in speed between the torque converter and the transmission input shaft is greater than 200 revolutions per minute (RPM) and less than 7,500 RPM for 5 seconds.
Under normal conditions, the required ratio of these is 1 to 1 when the torque converter locks up. If this ratio is not achieved, PCM will set the P0741 code to warn you that the torque converter clutch circuit is stuck off or out of performance.
If the P0741 error code appears, sometimes it can be understood that there is a problem with the torque converter clutch, TCC solenoid, or the circuit.
P0741 Causes Identification: Quick View
P0741 can be attached with other codes in some cases for you to determine the causes easier.
In the below table, I’ll show you the leading causes and solutions f
| Codes combination | Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| P0741 only | Faulty torque converter clutch Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid Defective or damaged wires around TCC solenoid Faulty valve body | Replace torque converter Replace the TCC solenoid Repair damaged wiring to TCC solenoid Replace the valve body |
| P0741 + P0729 – P0736 | Faulty torque converter clutch Transmission fluid is dirty or old | Replace torque converter Change transmission fluid |
| P0741 + P1744 (Ford) | Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid Defective or damaged wires around TCC solenoid | Replace the TCC solenoid Repair damaged wiring to TCC solenoid |
| P0741 + P0218 | Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid Transmission fluid is dirty or old | Replace the TCC solenoid Change transmission fluid |
| P0741 + P0700 + P0768 | Damaged transmission wiring harness Transmission fluid is dirty or old Faulty valve body | Repair damaged wiring to the transmission wiring harness Change transmission fluid Replace the valve body |
| P0741 + P0118 | Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor | Replace ECT sensor |
| P0741 + P2757 (Lexus); P0741 + P0740 + P2761 (BMW); P0741 + P1744 + P0218 (Ford); | Transmission fluid is dirty or old | Change transmission fluid |
| P0741 + P0700 | Faulty TCM | Replace the TCM |
Note: The causes for each code combination are the most common ones. There can be some uncommon issues hidden under those codes.
So, it’s important to fully understand the correlation between your car’s symptoms and the true causes.
The below part will help you pinpoint your problems and how to fix them.
P0741: Causes, Symptoms, and How To Fix
Cause #1: Faulty Torque Converter Clutch
As I mentioned, the p0741 code is set on the powertrain control module (PCM) when there is a slip (different in speed) between the engine and the transmission input shaft at the time TCC is locked. This could mean the TCC doesn’t lock properly or is in an open state permanently.
The TCC starts locking up after using the first gear and always stays locked up from there. If the clutch doesn’t engage anymore, the symptoms are:
- Sometimes, only P0741 appears; sometimes, the combination between P0741 and P0729 to P0736 appears.
- Poor fuel economy.
- Decreased transmission fluid life.
- Transmission fluid getting hot ( >240F).
Cause #2: Faulty/Internal Short In Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
The TCC solenoid controls the fluid flow to the torque converter. If the solenoid is faulty, it can’t measure how much transmission fluid is needed, which could cause unusual fluid pressures.
As a result, it can create a lot of irregular behaviors, such as
- Sometimes, only P0741 appears; sometimes, the combination between P0741+P0218 or P0741 + P1744 (Ford) or P0741 + P0729 to P0736 appears.
- The fuel consumption increases.
- The transmission may be jammed.
- The TCC solenoid erratic shift.
- Check engine light.
To test the TCC solenoid, measure the OHMs and make sure it is within a suitable range (12-28 Ohms).
If it is not, then replace it.
Cause #3: Defective Or Damaged Wires Around TCC Solenoid
It’s not hard to check the TCC solenoid wires. Test your TCC solenoid wire carefully to ensure that you don’t miss any problems.
Remember that the bad wire is zero ohms, and the good wire is slightly more than zero ohms.
If the wire goes bad, the P0741 popped up.
If you have a Ford, in some cases, P0741 and P1744 will appear to make you know this specific cause.
Cause #4: Damaged Transmission Wiring Harness
The faulty wiring harness can cause the difference in speed between the torque converter and the transmission input shaft, making the P0741 set.
Inspect the wires visually for damage and check the ohms (zero ohms for bad and infinity ohms for good) to ensure you find out all of the problems.
It sometimes appears the mixing codes with P0700 and P0768.
Cause #5: Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
The ECT sensor helps measure the temperature of the coolant for the ECU. If the ECT sensor goes wrong, the proper temperature signal can’t deliver to the TCC, which leads to not locking up on the highway speed.
Like other parts, the ECT sensor can be damaged due to engine-related issues, leading to severe problems.
The signs for this cause are:
- A combination between P0741 and P0118.
- Check engine light.
- The poor mileage.
- The electric cooling fan is not working.
- Black smoke exhausting.
- Poor idling or engine performance.
Cause #6: Transmission Fluid Is Dirty
The Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is filled in the torque converter. The torque converter and transmission are damaged if the fluid is contaminated, contains debris or sludge, or is old.
You need to check your transmission fluid to ensure whether the transmission fluid is the cause of this code or not.
Change the fluid right away if it’s dark brown.
Sometimes, P0741 combines with P0218 or P0729-P0736. In this particular case, the P0741 can be attached with P2757 (Lexus), P0740 and P2761 (BMW), and P1744 and P0218 (Ford) in your scanner to warn you to replace the transmission fluid.
Cause #7: Faulty Valve Body
The valve body plays a vital role in the torque converter with various channels and passages in the automatic transmission. It interacts with the solenoid to push transmission fluid flow through those passages to initiate different clutches and switch gears.
The torque converter can not operate correctly when the valve body goes bad.
To know whether the valve body is good or not, there are a lot of signs for you to identify:
- P0741 appears alone or with P0700, and P0768.
- Incorrectly gear change.
- Harsh noise.
- Slipping whilst driving a manual box in the clutch.
- Transmission fluid leak.
Cause #8: Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
The TCM measures severe signals from the engine speed sensor and the turbine speed sensor to estimate the torque converter slip value. Then, the TCM compares this value to the value preset in the TCM calibration.
P0741 pops up when this torque converter slip value exceeds 80 RPM. The slip value is inaccurate if the TCM fails, making TCC not work correctly.
This cause has a variety of signs to identify, including:
- P0741 combines with the P0700.
- Check engine light.
- Poor fuel mileage.
- Erratic shifting.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Code P0741?
The fixing cost of the P0741 is around $15 – $700 for DIY and $100 – $1000 for a mechanic shop or dealer.
However, it is based on the causes of your car and the area where you are at.
The estimated repair cost of the P0741
| Solutions | Cost |
|---|---|
| Replace torque converter | DIY: $150 – $500 Mechanic shop: $600 – $1000 |
| Replace the TCC solenoid / damaged wiring to TCC solenoid | DIY: $15 – $100 Mechanic shop: $100 – $400 |
| Repair damaged wiring to the transmission wiring harness | DIY: $50 – $250 Mechanic shop: $100 – $350 |
| Replace ECT sensor | DIY: $10 to $30 Mechanic shop: $85 to $170 |
| Change transmission fluid | DIY: $50 – $100 Mechanic shop: $80 – $250 |
| Replace the valve body | DIY: $250 – $500 Mechanic shop: $300 – $1000 |
| Replace the TCM | DIY: $450 – $700 Mechanic shop: $500 – $900 |
Note: The data in this table is collected in May 2022. The actual price depends on many factors, such as your car’s make and year, mechanic’s rate, time, market price, etc.
You Ask, I Answer
The P0741 error code isn’t a severe significant code, but you have to fix it right away to avoid the damage to the transmission.
I hope you can save your budget after reading my article.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, we’ll answer them all.
If you have had the same issue and fixed it before, share your story with us.
See ya!
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