P0742: Torque converter clutch stuck engaged
The torque converter clutch stays engaged, so the car shudders or stalls as you stop. A sticking solenoid or valve is the usual cause.
| Code | P0742 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0742 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 sees the valve still acting when it shouldn’t, as if it had jammed in the on position.
Most common causes
- Dirty gearbox fluid holding the valve in place
- The torque converter clutch solenoid mechanically jammed
- Control wire shorted to earth, keeping it switched on
- Dirty or worn valve body
- Transmission control unit (uncommon)
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Shudder or judder at low speed
- Engine stalls or nearly stalls when stopping in gear
- Weak pull when moving off
Can you drive with P0742?
With care You can get to a garage with care, but if the engine stalls when stopping you lose power steering and brake assistance. Leave extra distance and don’t put it off.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Note when it happens: cold or hot, when stopping or moving off. With a scanner, see if the code returns straight after clearing it: instantly usually means electrical, later on more likely mechanical.
How to read and clear P0742 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 P0742 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
- P073E The gearbox cannot engage reverse
- P073F The gearbox cannot engage gear 1
- P0740 Torque converter clutch circuit fault
- P0741 Torque converter clutch poor performance or not engaging
- P0743 Torque converter clutch circuit electrical fault
- P0744 Torque converter clutch circuit intermittent fault
- P0745 Gearbox pressure control solenoid fault
- P0746 Pressure control solenoid poor performance or stuck off
- 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
What does code P0742 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 sees the valve still acting when it shouldn’t, as if it had jammed in the on position.
Can you drive with P0742?
You can get to a garage with care, but if the engine stalls when stopping you lose power steering and brake assistance. Leave extra distance and don’t put it off.
How do you clear P0742?
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, P0742 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.
