P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off

OBD-II Trouble Code - P0741 - Data Sheet

P0741 - Torque converter clutch circuit performance or stuck off.

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic OBD-II transmission code. It is considered universal as it applies to all makes and models of cars (1996 and newer), although specific repair steps may differ depending on the model.

What does trouble code P0741 mean?

In modern vehicles equipped with automatic / transaxle transmissions, a torque converter is used between the engine and the transmission to increase the engine's output torque and drive the rear wheels.

The engine and transmission are effectively linked by a hydraulic clutch mechanism inside the torque converter, which increases torque until the speeds equalize and create a “stop” speed, where the difference in actual engine rpm and transmission input rpm is about 90%. ... The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoids, controlled by the Powertrain Control Module / Engine Control Module (PCM / ECM) or Transmission Control Module (TCM), direct hydraulic fluid and engage the torque converter clutch for strong coupling and improved efficiency.

The TCM has detected a malfunction in the circuit that controls the torque converter clutch solenoid.

Note. This code is the same as P0740, P0742, P0743, P0744, P2769 and P2770.

There may be other DTCs associated with the Transmission Control Module that can only be accessed with the Advanced Diagnostic Tool. If any additional powertrain DTCs appear in addition to P0741, there is likely a power failure.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0741 trouble code may include:

• Operability or hover off warning lamp (MIL) illuminated (also known as engine warning lamp)
• Minimal reduction in fuel consumption, it will not affect engine performance.
• Make sure the engine light is on
• Increased fuel consumption
• Symptoms resembling an erroneous condition
• Vehicle may stall after driving at high speed
• The vehicle cannot upshift at high speeds.
• Rare, but sometimes there are no symptoms

Possible Causes of Code P0741

Reasons for this DTC may include:

• The wiring harness to the gearbox is shorted to ground
• Internal short circuit of the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid
• Transmission control module (TCM)
• Faulty TSS
• Faulty torque converter lock-up solenoid
• Internal short circuit in TCC solenoid
• Wiring to TCC solenoid damaged
• Faulty valve body
• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
• Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Malfunction
• Transmission wiring damage
• Hydraulic channels clogged with dirty transmission fluid

P0741 Troubleshooting Actions

Wiring – Check transmission harness for damage or loose connections. Use the factory wiring diagram to find the appropriate power source and all connection points between circuits. The transmission can be powered by a fuse or relay and run by the TCM. Disconnect the transmission harness from the transmission connector, power supply and TCM.

Check for a short to ground inside the transmission harness by locating the appropriate + and - pins on the torque converter clutch solenoid. Using a digital voltmeter (DVOM) set to the ohm scale, test for a short to ground in a circuit with the positive wire on either terminal and the negative wire to a known good ground. If resistance is low, suspect a short to ground in the internal wiring harness or TCC solenoid - removal of the transmission oil pan may be required to further diagnose the TCC solenoid.

Check the wiring between the TCM and the harness connector on the transmission housing using the DVOM set to ohms. Check for a possible ground fault by moving the negative lead on the DVOM to a known good ground, the resistance should be very high or over the limit (OL).

Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid – Check for resistance in the TCC solenoid and internal transmission wiring on the transmission case after removing the transmission harness connector (if applicable, some makes/models use a TCM bolted directly to the transmission case). Some makes/models use the transmission harness with the TCC solenoid and the internal harness as one unit. With the DVOM set to ohms, check for a short to ground with the positive wire on any of the loops to the TCC and the negative wire on a known good ground. The resistance should be very high or over limit (OL), if low, a short to ground is suspected.

Check for voltage on the TCC solenoid supply or harness connector at TCM with DVOM set to volt scale, positive on the wire under test, and negative to a known good ground when on / engine off, battery voltage should be present. If no voltage is present, determine the power loss in the circuit using the manufacturer's wiring diagrams for reference.

Transmission control module (TCM) – Because the torque converter clutch is only activated under certain driving conditions, it will be necessary to monitor the TCM with an advanced scan tool to determine if the TCM is commanding the TCC solenoid and what actual feedback value is on the TCM. The TCC solenoid is usually duty cycle controlled to enable more convenient torque converter engagement. To check if the TCM is actually sending a signal, you will also need a duty cycle graphical multimeter or digital storage oscilloscope.

The positive wire is tested in the harness connected to the TCM, and the negative wire is tested to a known good ground. The duty cycle must be the same as the specified TCM in the extended scan tool readout. If the cycle stays at 0% or 100% or is intermittent, recheck the connections and if all wiring/solenoid is OK, the TCM may be faulty.

COMMON ERRORS WHEN DIAGNOSING CODE P0741

DTC P0741 can be difficult to diagnose. Be sure to check all transmission wiring, TCM and TCC solenoids.

Note that it may be necessary to lower the drive panel to access all cables. The torque converter is usually replaced when the real problem is a faulty TCC solenoid or valve body.

HOW SERIOUS CODE P0741 IS?

The presence of a DTC P0741 indicates a transmission malfunction. Driving the vehicle in this condition may cause damage to other internal parts of the transmission. Because of this, DTC P0741 is considered serious and should be repaired as soon as possible.

WHAT REPAIRS CAN FIX CODE P0741?

• Torque Converter Lockup Solenoid Replacement
• TCC Solenoid Replacement
• Repairing damaged wiring to the TCC solenoid
• Valve body replacement
• Replacement of TSM
• Repairing damaged wires on the transmission harness
• ECT sensor replacement
• In some cases, the transmission itself will need to be replaced or rebuilt.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO BE AWARE OF CODE P0741

Take the time to check all wiring, including the transmission harness, TCC solenoids harness, and TCM harness.

On some machines, the drive tray needs to be lowered, and if so, make sure the drive tray is lowered properly. You may need to take your vehicle to a transmission shop or dealer to have DTC P0741 diagnosed due to a special scan tool that you may need to diagnose.

Related DTCs:

• P0740 OBD-II DTC: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Circuit Malfunction
• P0742 OBD-II Trouble Code: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck
• P0743 OBD-II DTC - Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit Circuit

P0741 Explained In 3 Minutes

Need more help with your p0741 code?

If you still need help with DTC P0741, post a question in the comments below this article.

NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.