P0741

Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off

Transmission Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0741 means the torque converter clutch isn't locking up when the transmission commands it to — it's slipping or staying disengaged. The engine and transmission still work, but at cruising speed the engine turns faster than it should, which wastes fuel and builds extra heat in the transmission. It's often caused by low or dirty fluid or a failing TCC solenoid.

Medium

Can I keep driving? You can usually keep driving, but the converter clutch isn't locking up — expect higher rpm, worse fuel economy and extra transmission heat, so get it looked at before long trips.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

323

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0741 scans

P0171in 17.6% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Higher-than-normal engine rpm at cruising speed (no lock-up)
Reduced fuel economy
Slipping feel or shudder under light throttle
Transmission running hotter than usual

Common causes

Most likely first

Low or dirty transmission fluidLikely
Faulty torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoidCommon
Damaged wiring or a corroded connector in the TCC circuitCommon
Worn or failing torque converterLess often
Faulty transmission control module (TCM)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Check transmission fluid level and condition first — top up or service if low, burnt, or dirty.
Scan for other transmission codes and read freeze-frame data to see when the fault sets.
Inspect the TCC solenoid wiring and connector for damage or corrosion.
Test and replace the TCC solenoid if it's out of spec.
If the circuit checks out, investigate the torque converter and TCM.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0741?+

Short term, yes — the engine still runs and drives. But the converter clutch not locking raises fuel use and transmission temperature, so repair it before it leads to overheating damage.

Can I just clear P0741?+

You can clear it, but it will return until the underlying fluid, solenoid, or converter issue is fixed. Start by checking the fluid — it's the cheapest common cause.

Read & clear P0741 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX