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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 at a glance
CodeP0742
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP07xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: 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.

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 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

P0742 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Audi, Fiat, Mazda, Peugeot, Toyota, Volkswagen. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

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.