Faulty torque converter clutch (lockup) solenoid (both sources; OBD-Codes.com names an internal short in the solenoid). Transmission wiring harness shorted to ground (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty transmission control module (OBD-Codes.com). Defective torque converter clutch (RepairPal). Defective valve body (RepairPal). Dirty transmission fluid restricting the hydraulic passages (RepairPal). Defective engine coolant temperature sensor (RepairPal). The sources differ: OBD-Codes.com focuses on electrical causes (wiring, solenoid, TCM), while RepairPal also lists mechanical and hydraulic causes and calls engine misfire, internal transmission and driveline problems common misdiagnoses.

Repair damaged or shorted transmission wiring or connectors. Replace a faulty torque converter clutch (lockup) solenoid. Service dirty transmission fluid. Repair the valve body if testing points to it. Replace the torque converter if its clutch is confirmed to be slipping. Replace the coolant temperature sensor or TCM only after testing confirms the fault.

P0741🔧 Transmission / Torque converter clutchDrive with caution, fix soon

P0741: Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0741 mean?

P0741 means the torque converter clutch, which locks the engine and transmission together at cruising speed, isn't engaging or isn't working as expected. Common causes include a faulty lockup (TCC) solenoid or its wiring, dirty transmission fluid, a valve body problem, or a worn torque converter clutch. Cars with an automatic transmission use a torque converter, a fluid coupling between the engine and transmission. At steady cruising speeds the computer applies a torque converter clutch (TCC) to lock the two together so they turn at the same speed, which saves fuel. The clutch is applied with hydraulic pressure that a TCC solenoid on the valve body directs when the computer commands it. RepairPal says P0741 is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) sees more than a 200 RPM difference between the torque converter and the transmission input shaft when they should be locked at a 1 to 1 ratio, meaning the converter failed to lock. OBD-Codes.com describes it as the transmission control module (TCM) detecting a fault in the circuit that operates the TCC solenoid. It is a generic OBD-II code for 1996 and newer vehicles, though repair steps vary by make and model. OBD-Codes.com lists similar codes P0740, P0742, P0743, P0744, P2769 and P2770, and says that if other transmission codes appear alongside P0741, an electrical failure is likely.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0741?

Drive with caution, fix soon. Get it checked soon. The two sources disagree on how serious it is: RepairPal rates P0741 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe, while OBD-Codes.com lists only the check engine light and a small drop in fuel economy and says it won't affect engine performance. RepairPal adds that in some cases the car may stall when coming to a stop after freeway driving or act like it's misfiring. If the engine stalls at stops or the transmission slips or shifts badly, avoid driving in traffic and have it diagnosed promptly.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0741 means

Cars with an automatic transmission use a torque converter, a fluid coupling between the engine and transmission. At steady cruising speeds the computer applies a torque converter clutch (TCC) to lock the two together so they turn at the same speed, which saves fuel. The clutch is applied with hydraulic pressure that a TCC solenoid on the valve body directs when the computer commands it. RepairPal says P0741 is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) sees more than a 200 RPM difference between the torque converter and the transmission input shaft when they should be locked at a 1 to 1 ratio, meaning the converter failed to lock. OBD-Codes.com describes it as the transmission control module (TCM) detecting a fault in the circuit that operates the TCC solenoid. It is a generic OBD-II code for 1996 and newer vehicles, though repair steps vary by make and model. OBD-Codes.com lists similar codes P0740, P0742, P0743, P0744, P2769 and P2770, and says that if other transmission codes appear alongside P0741, an electrical failure is likely.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

Get it checked soon. The two sources disagree on how serious it is: RepairPal rates P0741 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe, while OBD-Codes.com lists only the check engine light and a small drop in fuel economy and says it won't affect engine performance. RepairPal adds that in some cases the car may stall when coming to a stop after freeway driving or act like it's misfiring. If the engine stalls at stops or the transmission slips or shifts badly, avoid driving in traffic and have it diagnosed promptly.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources)
Lower fuel economy (both sources; OBD-Codes.com calls it minimal)
Vehicle won't shift into the highest gear at freeway speed (RepairPal)
In some cases, stalling when coming to a stop after freeway driving, or misfire-like symptoms (RepairPal)
Sometimes no other noticeable symptoms (RepairPal; OBD-Codes.com says it won't affect engine performance)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Faulty torque converter clutch (lockup) solenoid (both sources; OBD-Codes.com names an internal short in the solenoid)
Transmission wiring harness shorted to ground (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty transmission control module (OBD-Codes.com)
Defective torque converter clutch (RepairPal)
Defective valve body (RepairPal)
Dirty transmission fluid restricting the hydraulic passages (RepairPal)
Defective engine coolant temperature sensor (RepairPal)
The sources differ: OBD-Codes.com focuses on electrical causes (wiring, solenoid, TCM), while RepairPal also lists mechanical and hydraulic causes and calls engine misfire, internal transmission and driveline problems common misdiagnoses

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Read all stored codes and note the freeze frame data. If other transmission codes are stored, OBD-Codes.com says an electrical fault is likely, so look at those too.
Check the transmission fluid level and condition; RepairPal lists dirty fluid as a cause.
Look over the transmission wiring harness and connectors for damage or loose connections, as OBD-Codes.com recommends.
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle; there may be a known fix.

Typical fixes

Repair damaged or shorted transmission wiring or connectors
Replace a faulty torque converter clutch (lockup) solenoid
Service dirty transmission fluid
Repair the valve body if testing points to it
Replace the torque converter if its clutch is confirmed to be slipping
Replace the coolant temperature sensor or TCM only after testing confirms the fault

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

The engine stalls when you come to a stop, or the transmission slips or won't shift into top gear
Diagnosis needs an advanced scan tool to watch the commanded lockup and converter slip speed; RepairPal describes a test drive above 45 MPH while monitoring slip speed, and OBD-Codes.com says a graphing multimeter or oscilloscope may be needed to check the TCM's signal
Testing the TCC solenoid may require removing the transmission oil pan (OBD-Codes.com)
Wiring and fluid check out and the code keeps returning

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is P0741 serious?

Sources disagree. RepairPal rates it Urgent, while OBD-Codes.com says it mainly lowers fuel economy and won't affect engine performance. Either way, get it diagnosed soon, and sooner if the car stalls at stops or the transmission misbehaves.

Does P0741 mean my torque converter is bad?

Not necessarily. A bad torque converter clutch is one possible cause, but both sources also list the TCC solenoid, and OBD-Codes.com lists wiring and the TCM. RepairPal lists dirty fluid and the valve body too. Test before replacing the converter.

Can I drive with P0741?

Many drivers notice only lower fuel economy, but RepairPal rates the code Urgent and says some cars stall when stopping after freeway driving. Drive gently and get it checked soon.

How much does it cost to fix P0741?

Neither source gives a repair cost. It ranges widely depending on whether the fix is wiring, a solenoid, fluid service, the valve body or the torque converter, so get a diagnosis and written estimate first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.