P0742 Torque converter clutch stuck on

Torque converter clutch circuit stuck on

P0742 in short

P0742 means the torque converter clutch, which locks the engine to the transmission at cruising speed, is staying locked when it should release. Causes include the lock-up solenoid, wiring, fluid or a sticking clutch. Stalling or shuddering at a stop is the warning sign, so have it inspected soon.

A torque converter clutch locks at steady speed to stop slip and release when you slow down. P0742 sets when the computer sees the clutch still locked, or sees engine and turbine speed match when it commanded the clutch off.

A locked clutch at a stop acts like a manual car with the clutch pedal up. GM links the code to a shudder or chuggle when stopping, and to surging or stalling on Allison-equipped trucks, so do not ignore those symptoms.

TroubleCodes.net lists wiring, the pressure control solenoid, fluid and mechanical clutch failure as causes. Most of them mean work inside the transmission, which is a shop job.

Most likely causes

  1. Lock-up or pressure control solenoid stuck

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the solenoid first, and Hyundai groups P0742 with its solenoid codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if other solenoid codes are stored or the solenoid does not release when commanded.

  2. Torque converter clutch sticking mechanically

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletins tie P0742 to a clutch that sticks or stays applied, with shudder at a stop or surge and stall on Allison trucks.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered GM vehicle, or if the symptom is a shudder as you slow to a stop.

  3. Wiring or connector fault in the solenoid circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists damaged wiring and connectors, and a circuit fault can hold the solenoid on.
    What would change this
    Rises if the harness is chafed or the connector is corroded or loose.

  4. Degraded or contaminated fluid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists fluid as a cause. Dirty fluid can make a valve stick.
    What would change this
    Rises if the fluid is dark, burnt or contains debris.

  5. Transmission control module or its software

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan lists a case with only P0742 stored in the module, and TroubleCodes.net includes the module as a possible cause.
    What would change this
    Rises only after the solenoid, wiring and fluid have been ruled out.
    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. Ask a dealer or search by VIN for a P0742, torque converter shudder or stall-at-stop bulletin.

    Low risk

  3. Inspect the transmission connector and harness for chafing, corrosion or fluid in the plug.

    Low risk

  4. Have a shop command the torque converter clutch off with a scan tool and watch engine and turbine speed.

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

    Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Shudder or chuggle when slowing to a stop
  • Firm or harsh shifts
  • Engine surges or stalls at a stop 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 bulletin. GM and Nissan have published them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0742 unless a test points to it.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2003 · Venture

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 02-07-30-039 links firm shifts, a shudder and a stuck-on torque converter clutch to P0742 on 2003 models. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2001–2013 · Silverado 2500 HD

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP4290A covers surge or stall in gear at a stop with P0742 and the clutch applied, on trucks with the Allison LCT1000. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 020730039Status unverified

    Firm shifts, shudder or chuggle and P0742

    2003venture · NHTSA 10000184

    GM covers 2003 models with firm shifts, a shudder or chuggle and the torque converter clutch stuck on, with P0742 set. Pontiac Bonneville and Oldsmobile Silhouette 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.

  • PIP4290AStatus unverified

    Allison LCT1000 surge or stall at a stop with P0742

    2001–2013silverado-2500-hd · NHTSA 10112862

    GM preliminary information for trucks with the Allison LCT1000 that surge or stall in gear at a stop, with P0742 stored and the torque converter clutch possibly applied. GMC Sierra 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.

Pontiac

  • 2003 · Bonneville

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 02-07-30-039 also names the 2003 Bonneville for firm shifts, shudder and P0742. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 020730039Status unverified

    Firm shifts, shudder or chuggle and P0742

    2003venture · NHTSA 10000184

    GM covers 2003 models with firm shifts, a shudder or chuggle and the torque converter clutch stuck on, with P0742 set. Pontiac Bonneville and Oldsmobile Silhouette 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.

GMC

  • 2001–2013 · Sierra 2500 HD

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP4290A also covers GMC Sierras with the Allison LCT1000 that surge or stall at a stop with P0742. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2013–2014 · Terrain

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PI0999 also covers the Terrain for a sticking torque converter clutch and shudder when stopping. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PIP4290AStatus unverified

    Allison LCT1000 surge or stall at a stop with P0742

    2001–2013silverado-2500-hd · NHTSA 10112862

    GM preliminary information for trucks with the Allison LCT1000 that surge or stall in gear at a stop, with P0742 stored and the torque converter clutch possibly applied. GMC Sierra 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.

  • PI0999Status unverified

    Check engine light, sticking torque converter clutch, shudder when stopping

    2013–2014enclave · NHTSA 10134737

    GM preliminary information for a check engine light, a torque converter clutch that sticks and a shudder when coming to a stop, with P0742 stored. Cadillac XTS and GMC Terrain 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.

Buick

  • 2013–2014 · Enclave

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PI0999 covers a sticking torque converter clutch and a shudder when stopping with P0742 set. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PI0999Status unverified

    Check engine light, sticking torque converter clutch, shudder when stopping

    2013–2014enclave · NHTSA 10134737

    GM preliminary information for a check engine light, a torque converter clutch that sticks and a shudder when coming to a stop, with P0742 stored. Cadillac XTS and GMC Terrain 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.

Cadillac

  • 2013–2014 · XTS

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PI0999 also covers the XTS for a sticking torque converter clutch and shudder when stopping. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PI0999Status unverified

    Check engine light, sticking torque converter clutch, shudder when stopping

    2013–2014enclave · NHTSA 10134737

    GM preliminary information for a check engine light, a torque converter clutch that sticks and a shudder when coming to a stop, with P0742 stored. Cadillac XTS and GMC Terrain 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.

Nissan

  • 2020–2021 · Altima

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB19-116B covers a check engine light with only P0742 stored in the transmission control module. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2020–2021 · Murano

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB19-116B also covers the Murano for a check engine light with only P0742 stored. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • NTB19-116BStatus unverified

    Check engine light with only P0742 stored in the TCM

    2020–2021altima, murano · NHTSA 10206311

    Nissan covers a check engine light with only P0742, a torque converter code, stored in the transmission control module. 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.

No curated relationships for P0742 yet.

All Transmission codes

P0742 questions

What does it mean when the torque converter clutch is stuck on?

The lock-up clutch stays engaged when the car slows down. At a stop that can make the engine shudder, surge or stall, like a manual car with the clutch pedal released.

Is it safe to drive with P0742?

Have it inspected soon. It is a significant transmission fault, and if the engine stalls or surges at stops you should avoid driving it until it is checked.

Sources and review

  1. P0742 Trouble Code: Torque converter clutch circuit stuck on — TroubleCodes.net
  2. PIP-4290 / PIP4290A: Engine surge or stall at a stop, DTC P0742, TCC applied — General Motors
  3. TSB 09-AT-018: ATA solenoid diagnostic trouble codes — Hyundai Motor America
  4. PI0999: MIL on, torque converter clutch sticking, shudder when stopping, DTC P0742 — General Motors
  5. TSB 02-07-30-039: Firm shifts, shudder, no downshift on deceleration, DTC P0742 — General Motors
  6. NTB19-116B: MIL on with DTC P0742 stored in the TCM — Nissan North America
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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