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 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: 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.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
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 its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. If the car reports it over standard OBD, you read it for nothing with FREE; to read it straight from the gearbox control unit, with its description and clearing, you need PRO.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P073D The gearbox cannot select neutral gear
- P073E The gearbox cannot engage reverse
- P073F The gearbox cannot engage gear 1
- P0740 Torque converter clutch circuit fault
- P0742 Torque converter clutch stuck engaged
- P0743 Torque converter clutch circuit electrical fault
- P0744 Torque converter clutch circuit intermittent fault
- P0745 Gearbox pressure control solenoid fault
- P0700 Transmission control system: fault detected
- P0701 Transmission control system: range/performance
- P0702 Transmission control system: electrical fault
- P0703 Torque converter/brake switch B: circuit fault
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Automatic gearbox.
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.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
