P0741 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)
When a P0741 code appears, it means your automatic transmission system’s torque converter is malfunctioning. This code is one of the most common OBD2 trouble codes in automatic transmission vehicles.
Let’s take a closer look at the P0741 code, its specific causes, and how to properly diagnose and fix the problem.
What Does Code P0741 Mean?
If you’re experiencing a P0741 code, it points to an issue with your torque converter. If your Powertrain Control Module (PCM) identifies a problem with the transmission input shaft and torque converter’s rotational speeds, it will trigger a P0741 code.
This problem will manifest itself as a difference between the speed of the torque converter and the transmission input shaft.
The P0741 code is not triggered by small differences in rotational speed. There will need to be a difference of at least 200 RPMs before the PCM indicates there is an issue. It’s important to note that this RPM limit can vary depending on your vehicle.
Related: Code P0740
Symptoms of Code P0741
If a P0741 code is active, it doesn’t mean your car will experience other symptoms of malfunction. There can be an underlying issue before you notice physical signs in your vehicle or its performance.
If there are noticeable issues, they’re likely to be small. Let’s explore some indications that you have an issue with your torque converter:
- Your gears aren’t shifting when you drive at high speeds.
- You feel that your engine is misfiring.
- You notice a reduction in fuel efficiency.
- Your check engine or transmission light is on.
Causes of Code P0741
There are several causes of a P0741 code. While they’re all linked to your torque converter, the root cause of the problem can vary significantly. Below, let’s take a look at the potential causes of P0741 code:
- Your TCM isn’t working.
- Your valve body isn’t working.
- Your transmission fluid is dirty or old.
- Your coolant temperature sensor isn’t working.
- Your transmission wiring harness is damaged.
- A short is occurring in the TCC solenoid.
- Your torque converter solenoid isn’t working.
- Your torque converter clutch isn’t working.
- The wires around your TCC solenoid are damaged or not functioning correctly.
Is Code P0741 Serious?
Unfortunately, a P0741 code is extremely serious – if you notice this code is active, it’s critical to seek immediate assistance from a professional mechanic. While your car might not be exhibiting any current performance issues, a faulty torque converter can put undue stress on your transmission system and cause irreparable damage.
In fact, if you leave your faulty torque converter to continue to damage your transmission, you may end up requiring expensive repairs in the future. In some cases, you might need to replace your torque converter entirely.
How to Fix
If you want to fix a P0741 code, you need to start by diagnosing the issue. If you can’t correctly identify the root cause of the issue, you won’t be able to find the correct solution.
To Diagnose:
- Use your OBD2 Scan Tool to check if a P0741 code appears. Make sure to record any data that is returned (you need to ensure the conditions are correct).
- Check if any other transmission-related codes are active. This might point to the root cause of the issue.
- Once you complete Step 1 and Step 2, clear your OBD2 scan tool, drive your vehicle, and retest to see if you still have the P0741 code active.
Potential Solutions:
- Inspect your transmission fluid – if it’s dirty or old, replace it.
- Inspect the wiring in the transmission wiring harness; if this is the cause of the problem, it will require replacement.
- Inspect the wiring in the TCC solenoid; if there’s an issue with this wiring, it will need to be replaced.
- Consider replacing the valve body, ECT sensor, TCC solenoid, torque converter lockup solenoid, or the TC.
If you can’t clear the P0741 code, the best option is to take your vehicle to a mechanic to ensure that you’re diagnosing the problem correctly. If you don’t have extensive experience with cars, it can be hard to fix the issue or find the core source of the problem.
Mechanics are also likely to have additional scan tools that you don’t have. It’s essential to avoid misdiagnosing this problem, so make sure that you’re using your OBD2 scan tool correctly.
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The article gives good info. Unfortunately, unless it’s one of the easy causes, this Code may be a car-killer, as a practical matter. If it’s a bad trans fluid temp sensor (Volvo p/n 3515642), one’s not available for my ’98 Volvo w/A341E (used in lots of applications). If it’s a bad TC, then the R/R, alone, is major surgery equal/excess to the car’s retail value, which, while the transmission is already out, also suggests a full rebuild would be recommended. Looks like it’s the TC and/or temp sensor, on mine, which is too bad, as I love the car. Just can’t put another $5k into a car worth <$2k (w/bad TC, but new head gasket), only to have something else fail.
While driving on the highway my rpms suddenly go from 2000 to 3000…it then throws two codes…0741 and 0007… A message comes up in the dash that I need to slow down…any idea??
Does the vehicle accelerate when that happens? It sounds like the transmission might be slipping. That’s a torque converter code (which is part of an automatic transmission).
This Happens to me too and it drops P0700 in addition to P0741, my first reflex was to change the fluid, it seemed fine at first but after the car warms up well, it starts to disengage the TCC when I accelerate moderately hard, it doesn’t always throw the code but I have to shut the car down and turn it on again for the TCC to engage again. I am honestly lost.
I don’t know for sure the root cause, but it sounds like you probably need some transmission work to fix that one. I would visit a local transmission shop to see what they say.
my 2005 corolla came up with the code p0741.I cleared it with OBD2 scanner but came up again after about 50 kilometers drive.The transmission fluid is clean and intact
The torque converter may not be able to lock for some reason. I would get it checked out by a mechanic.
My car has a po0741 code and it is stuck in 2nd gear, I have changed the fluid and filter in the transmission and nothing has changed, one night it was shifting just fine and I left the car running to keep my heat going and when I got back in and left the transmission wouldn’t shift anymore, does that help with deciding the cause of my problem
I’m afraid it doesn’t. You’ll have to do some transmission diagnostics to determine if the problem is electrical, or something with maybe the valve body or torque converter.
The P0741 comes up with p0420 at most time of driving
Is it possible that an Input Speed Sensor malfunction could cause this code?
I don’t know, I wouldn’t think so. I would expect a different code for the speed sensor, like P0715 to P0719.