P0741 Torque converter clutch not engaging as commanded

Torque converter clutch performance or stuck off

P0741 in short

P0741 means the torque converter clutch, which locks the engine to the transmission at cruising speed, is not engaging or holding as commanded. Bulletins trace it to torque converter damage, worn bushings or software. Have it inspected soon, and check for a bulletin for your vehicle first.

An automatic transmission uses a torque converter instead of a clutch pedal. At steady speed, a clutch inside it locks up to stop slipping and save fuel. The transmission computer commands that lock-up and checks it happens, and sets P0741 when the converter keeps slipping or never locks.

Several makers trace it to the converter itself. Honda found cracked lock-up pistons on some 2017–2019 models, and Ford found internal converter damage on some Escapes and a bushing leak on 2020 8-speed models. GM points to a turbine shaft bushing, and Hyundai fixed some Santa Fes with a software update.

Most repairs are inside the transmission, so this is a shop job. A bulletin check by VIN is the cheapest first step.

Most likely causes

  1. Internal torque converter damage

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda and Ford bulletins trace P0741 to damage inside the torque converter, such as a cracked lock-up piston that cannot hold.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Honda or Ford, or if a shop sees the converter slipping when lock-up is commanded.

  2. Lock-up solenoid or its control not responding

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The lock-up solenoid is a monitored output, and the check looks for lock-up that does not happen when commanded.
    What would change this
    Rises if a solenoid circuit code is also stored or the solenoid does not respond to a commanded test.

  3. Torque converter and pump stator bushing leak (2020 Ford 8F35/8F40)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford says a bushing leak causes P0741 on these transmissions and that replacing only the converter may not fix it.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered 2020 Ford or Lincoln built on or before 30 September 2020.

  4. Damaged turbine shaft front bushing (2015–2016 Colorado/Canyon)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM points to this bushing, and possible shaft damage, for P0741 on these trucks.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered truck when the transmission is opened up.

  5. Transmission computer software (2019–2020 Santa Fe)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Hyundai revises the P0741 logic on these SUVs with a transmission computer update.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Santa Fe that has not had the update.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for a P0741 bulletin for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a transmission shop command lock-up with a scan tool and watch converter slip and the solenoid response.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission output controls

    Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift, and needs the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, sometimes with no other symptom
  • Transmission malfunction or wrench warning on some Fords
  • Transmission indicator flashing "D" on some Hondas Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Transmission stuck in one gear or reduced power (limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open P0741 bulletin. Honda, Ford, GM and Hyundai have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0741 unless a test points to it. Most bulletins fix parts inside the transmission, and Hyundai's fix is a software update.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2017–2018 · Pilot

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A23-078 says some torque converters have a cracked lock-up piston, so the lock-up clutch cannot hold, the D indicator flashes and P0741 sets. The 2017–2019 Ridgeline is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Torque converter

    NHTSA owner complaints mentioning P0741: 13. That shows what owners reported, not how often a cause sets the code.

  • 2017 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A23-076 covers the same cracked lock-up piston condition, flashing D and P0741, on the 2017 Accord. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Torque converter

    NHTSA owner complaints mentioning P0741: 11. That shows what owners reported, not how often a cause sets the code.

  • 2017 · Odyssey

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A23-077 covers the same cracked lock-up piston condition, flashing D and P0741, on the 2017 Odyssey. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Torque converter

  • A23-078Status unverified

    Torque converter lock-up piston crack, flashing D and P0741

    2017–2019pilot, ridgeline · issued · NHTSA 11019241

    Some torque converters were not made to specification. A crack in the lock-up piston lets pressure bleed away, so the lock-up clutch cannot hold, the D indicator flashes and P0741 sets. Covers the 2017–2018 Pilot and 2017–2019 Ridgeline. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • A23-076Status unverified

    Torque converter lock-up piston crack, flashing D and P0741

    2017accord · issued · NHTSA 11017324

    Same condition as A23-078, for the 2017 Accord. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • A23-077Status unverified

    Torque converter lock-up piston crack, flashing D and P0741

    2017odyssey · issued · NHTSA 11017325

    Same condition as A23-078, for the 2017 Odyssey. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2013–2015 · Escape · 1.6L EcoBoost

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 19-2100 links the check engine light and/or a transmission malfunction service now warning, with only P0741 and/or P1744, to internal torque converter damage. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Torque converter

    NHTSA owner complaints mentioning P0741: 8. That shows what owners reported, not how often a cause sets the code.

  • 2020 · Edge

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 49345 covers the wrench indicator with P0741 and/or P1744 on 8F35/8F40 transmissions built on or before 30 September 2020, from a torque converter and pump stator bushing leak. The Escape, Transit Connect, Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair are also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • TSB 19-2100Status unverified

    MIL and/or transmission malfunction service now warning with only P0741 and/or P1744

    2013–2015escape · 1.6L EcoBoost · issued · NHTSA 10159457

    Internal damage to the torque converter. Repair or replace the affected internal transmission parts. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 49345Status unverified

    Wrench indicator with P0741 and/or P1744 on 8F35/8F40 transmissions

    2020edge, escape, transit-connect · issued · NHTSA 10183392

    On vehicles built on or before 30 September 2020, a leak at the torque converter and pump stator bushing is the cause. Replacing only the converter or main control may not fix it; Ford replaces the converter, pump, filters, main control and input shaft and flushes the cooler. Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair are also covered. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2015–2016 · Colorado

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PI1447A points to a damaged turbine shaft front bushing, and possibly the shaft, for P0741. The GMC Canyon is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PI1447AStatus unverified

    P0741 diagnostic tips: damaged turbine shaft front bushing

    2015–2016colorado · issued · NHTSA 10114053

    P0741 may be caused by a damaged turbine shaft front bushing, and the shaft may also be damaged where it runs in that bushing. GMC Canyon is also covered. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Hyundai

  • 2019–2020 · Santa Fe

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai 23-AT-005H updates the transmission control unit to revise its P0741 logic. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 23-AT-005HStatus unverified

    TCU update revising the P0741 logic

    2019–2020santa-fe · issued · NHTSA 10237190

    Update the transmission control unit software to revise how it checks for P0741. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0741. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0741 can be that code, so fix P0741 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0740Torque converter clutch control circuit fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0740 is the circuit code for the same lock-up clutch control, where P0741 is the performance code. Honda covers both in the same repair tips.

  • P0744Torque converter clutch control signal dropping in and out

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Both are torque converter clutch codes. Ford and Nissan bulletins list them together.

All Transmission codes

P0741 questions

What does the torque converter clutch do?

At steady speed it locks the engine to the transmission so the torque converter stops slipping, which saves fuel. P0741 means it is not locking or holding when the computer asks it to.

Is it safe to drive with P0741?

Have it inspected soon. Toyota tells owners to get the car checked right away when the light comes on for the transmission, and Ford shows a service now warning with this code on some Escapes.

Do I need a new transmission?

Not necessarily. Depending on the vehicle, bulletins fix it with a new torque converter, internal bushings and parts, or just a software update. Check for a bulletin for your VIN first.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U, 2.5L A25A-FKS / 3.5L 2GR-FKS) — Toyota
  2. Ford TSB 19-2100: MIL and/or transmission malfunction service now warning with P0741/P1744, 2013–2015 Escape 1.6L — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  3. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  4. Honda A23-078: torque converter lock-up piston crack, flashing D and P0741 — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  5. Ford SSM 49345: wrench indicator with P0741/P1744 from torque converter and pump stator bushing leak, 8F35/8F40 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  6. GM PI1447A: P0741 diagnostic tips, damaged turbine shaft front bushing, 2015–2016 Colorado/Canyon — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. Hyundai 23-AT-005H: TCU update revising P0741 logic, 2019–2020 Santa Fe — Hyundai Motor America / NHTSA ,
  8. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  9. Honda Service News 11012003: P0740 and P0741 repair tips — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  10. Ford 14625: Check engine light with P0741 / P0744 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  11. Nissan NTB19-040c: MIL on with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841 and others, may hesitate or lack power — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  12. NHTSA ODI consumer complaints flat files — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.