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P0741: Torque converter clutch poor performance or not engaging

The torque converter doesn’t lock up when it should, so revs and fuel use rise on the motorway. Usually dirty fluid or the solenoid.

Code P0741 at a glance
CodeP0741
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP07xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0741 means

The torque converter links the engine to the automatic gearbox. At a steady speed an internal clutch locks it so no power or fuel is wasted, and that clutch is worked by a solenoid controlled by the ECU. The control unit gives the command but doesn’t see the expected result in the gearbox: the valve responds poorly or stays off.

Most common causes

  • Low gearbox fluid
  • Old fluid or debris that makes the valves stick
  • The torque converter clutch solenoid moving sluggishly or not opening
  • Valve body with dirty or worn passages
  • Internal wear in the torque converter

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Revs a little higher than normal at a steady speed
  • Higher fuel use, especially on the motorway
  • Gearbox fluid running hotter than it should

Can you drive with P0741?

With care You can keep driving gently, but get it looked at soon: the gearbox fluid runs hotter and the torque converter can end up damaged.

How to check it

If the gearbox has a dipstick, check the fluid level and condition with the engine warm. With a scanner, see whether other gearbox codes are stored too: together they help the garage tell a fluid problem from a valve problem.

How to read and clear P0741 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0741 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. With Free you read it for nothing with its short description, because Free reads every control unit; with Pro you also get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged and clearing.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0741 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on BMW, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, Peugeot, Volkswagen. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0741 mean?

The torque converter links the engine to the automatic gearbox. At a steady speed an internal clutch locks it so no power or fuel is wasted, and that clutch is worked by a solenoid controlled by the ECU. The control unit gives the command but doesn’t see the expected result in the gearbox: the valve responds poorly or stays off.

Can you drive with P0741?

You can keep driving gently, but get it looked at soon: the gearbox fluid runs hotter and the torque converter can end up damaged.

How do you clear P0741?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0741 comes back.