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P0743: Torque converter clutch circuit electrical fault

The control unit sees an electrical fault in the torque converter clutch solenoid circuit: a wire, a connector or the solenoid itself.

Code P0743 at a glance
CodeP0743
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP07xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0743 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 measures an impossible voltage or current in the circuit of the torque converter clutch solenoid, typical of a broken wire, a short or a burnt-out coil.

Most common causes

  • Connector for the torque converter clutch solenoid loose, corroded or with fluid inside
  • Wire broken, bare or rubbing against the gearbox
  • Gearbox pass-through connector (where the wiring enters) leaking or with loose pins
  • The torque converter clutch solenoid with an open or shorted coil
  • Fuse or power supply to the circuit
  • Transmission control unit (uncommon)

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Higher revs and fuel use at a steady speed
  • Judder at low speed or when stopping
  • On some cars the gearbox goes into limp mode

Can you drive with P0743?

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

With the ignition off, check the gearbox connector is fully seated, with no green corrosion or fluid inside. If the code comes back straight after clearing, a broken wire or the solenoid coil is the likely culprit.

How to read and clear P0743 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 P0743 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

P0743 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on BMW, Citroën, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0743 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 measures an impossible voltage or current in the circuit of the torque converter clutch solenoid, typical of a broken wire, a short or a burnt-out coil.

Can you drive with P0743?

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 P0743?

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, P0743 comes back.