Low, degraded or contaminated transmission fluid; Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid or lock-up control solenoid; Wiring or connector fault in the TCC solenoid circuit (open circuit, short, corrosion, chafing); Worn or sticking valve body components, or blocked fluid passages and internal pressure loss; Worn torque converter clutch lining or internal torque converter fault; Faulty speed sensor signal (input, turbine or output) giving a false slip reading; Transmission control unit fault or outdated software, where a known issue exists for that model.

P0741

Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
7: AreaTransmission
41: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0741 is the generic code for a torque converter clutch (TCC) that is not locking up when commanded, or whose performance is not as expected. The transmission control unit compares engine speed with turbine or input speed and sees more slip than it should when lock-up is requested, so it concludes the clutch is stuck off or not engaging properly.

Symptoms

Engine speed higher than normal at steady cruising speed
Worse fuel economy than usual
Transmission running hotter than normal
Shudder, slipping feel or flare at lock-up speeds
Malfunction indicator lamp on, possibly with a transmission warning
Transmission may default to a limited or protected mode

Possible causes

Low, degraded or contaminated transmission fluidlikely
Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid or lock-up control solenoidlikely
Wiring or connector fault in the TCC solenoid circuit (open circuit, short, corrosion, chafing)possible
Worn or sticking valve body components, or blocked fluid passages and internal pressure losspossible
Worn torque converter clutch lining or internal torque converter faultpossible
Faulty speed sensor signal (input, turbine or output) giving a false slip readingrare
Transmission control unit fault or outdated software, where a known issue exists for that modelrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting vehicle speed, load, gear and transmission temperature when the fault set
Check the transmission fluid level, condition and smell using the manufacturer's procedure, as the method varies by model and some transmissions are sealed
Inspect the wiring and connectors to the TCC solenoid and transmission harness for damage, corrosion, fluid ingress and loose pins
Measure the TCC solenoid resistance and check supply, ground and control signals against the manufacturer's specification
Using live data, compare engine speed with turbine or input speed and watch the commanded and actual TCC status on a road test
Check the speed sensor signals for plausibility and dropouts
Check for technical service bulletins or software updates relevant to the model and transmission
If electrical checks pass, test fluid pressure and inspect the valve body and torque converter, following the model-specific procedure

How to fix

Correct the fluid level or replace the fluid and filter with the specified type if it is degraded or contaminated
Replace the faulty TCC solenoid or lock-up solenoid
Repair or replace damaged wiring, terminals or connectors in the solenoid circuit
Clean, repair or replace the valve body or worn internal components as the diagnosis shows
Replace or overhaul the torque converter if the clutch is worn or failed
Update the transmission control unit software where an outdated calibration is a known cause for that model

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven short distances, but continued driving with a slipping or non-locking converter can overheat the transmission and cause further wear. Get it diagnosed soon, and stop driving if it slips badly, overheats or goes into limp mode.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.