Trouble P0741 - Torque Converter Lockup Clutch Solenoid Valve - Functioning or Stuck Closed

What does P0741 mean?

P0741 code appears when the PCM detects that the torque converter input shaft speed does not match the transmission input shaft speed (greater than 200 rpm).

When the torque converter lock-up clutch is engaged, the rotation speed of the torque converter shaft and the transmission shaft must be the same. Otherwise, it will not be possible to obtain the required 1:1 ratio, causing the P0741 and the warning light to illuminate, indicating that the torque converter lock-up clutch is faulty or stuck closed.

The following error codes may also appear along with P0741

• Trouble P0740 - Torque Converter Lockup Clutch Solenoid - Circuit Malfunction
• Error P0742 - Torque Converter Lockup Clutch Solenoid Valve - Stuck Open
• Trouble P0743 - Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve - Electrical Failure

Symptoms of malfunction

The main driver symptom of P0741 is the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light). It is also called Check engine or simply “check light”.

They can also appear as:

1. The “Check engine” warning light on the control panel will light up (the code will be stored in memory as a malfunction).
2. The car goes into emergency transmission mode.
3. The gearbox slips when changing gears.
4. The transmission is stuck in gear.
5. Hard gear shifting.
6. Transmission overheating.
7. Increased fuel consumption.
8. Problems with turning the torque converter lock-up clutch on and off.

Error P0741 is quite serious, as when it appears, problems with the vehicle's drivability may occur. There may be problems with the transmission, which will affect engine performance. It is recommended to eliminate it as soon as possible to prevent more serious consequences.

Causes of error P0741

• Malfunction of the torque converter lock-up clutch
• Malfunction of the torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve
• Short circuit inside the torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve
• Damage to the wires leading to the torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve
• Malfunction in the valve body
• Transmission control module (TCM) malfunction
• Engine coolant temperature sensor malfunction
• Damage to the wires going to the transmission
• Blocked transmission fluid passages

Common mistakes on Toyota Rav 4

How does a mechanic diagnose trouble code P0741?

• First, the mechanic reads all present error codes using an OBD-II scanner.

The mechanic also reads all the error code data stored in the PCM. This information will help the mechanic determine the circumstances under which the error code first appeared.

• The mechanic will then clear all fault codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the P0741 reappears.
• The mechanic will check the connectors and wires going to the transmission for damage.
• Next, he will check the transmission fuses or relays (if equipped).
• The mechanic will also check the internal transmission wiring for a short to ground in the torque converter clutch solenoid valve circuit.

If there is a short circuit, the mechanic will repair or replace the wires or solenoid valve.

• The mechanic will then check the wires going to the transmission control module (TCM) for damage or a short to ground.

If the wires to the TCM and torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve are OK, your mechanic will determine when the torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve activates the torque converter and when the torque converter starts operating using an advanced scan tool.

The cost of a scanner ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, so to diagnose and resolve the P0741 , it is best to contact a qualified technician who has this diagnostic device.

Diagnosis and problem solving

Before you begin the troubleshooting process for P0741, you should review the technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. In some cases, this can save a lot of time by pointing you in the right direction.

Next, you need to check the fluid level and check its condition for contamination. Before changing the fluid, you should check the vehicle's records to see when the filter and fluid were last changed.

After this, a detailed visual inspection should be carried out to check the condition of the wiring for obvious defects. Check the connectors and wiring to the torque converter solenoid valve and the PCM or TCM.

Normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms resistance. Wiring continuity testing should always be performed with power removed from the circuit. To avoid short circuit and causing further damage.

Resistance or lack of continuity indicates faulty wiring that is open or shorted. In this case, repair or replacement will be required.

Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid

Check the resistance in the TCC solenoid and internal transmission wiring after removing the harness connector. The multimeter should be set to ohm scale with positive and negative terminals on the power and TCC control circuits.

Resistance must be within manufacturer specifications. If it is very high or exceeded. Remove the transmission oil pan to inspect the solenoid inside the transmission, if possible. Check voltage at the TCC solenoid power circuit or at the harness connector at the TCM.

Transmission Control Module (TCM)

Because the torque converter clutch is only activated during certain driving conditions. The TCM will need to be monitored using an advanced scan tool. To determine if the TCM is commanding the TCC solenoid and what the actual feedback reading is.

To check if the TCM is actually sending a signal, you will need a graphical multimeter set to duty cycle or a digital storage oscilloscope. We connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the wiring harness going to the TCM. And the negative wire to a good ground.

The duty cycle should be the same as that specified by the TCM in the scan tool's extended reading. If the cycle remains at 0% or 100% or is intermittent, check the connections again. If all wiring and solenoid are ok, but P0741 remains, the TCM may be faulty.

Common errors when diagnosing code P0741

When diagnosing trouble code P0741, you must carefully check all the wires going to the transmission, TCM, and torque converter clutch solenoid valve. You may need to remove the transmission pan to gain access to some wires.

The most common mistake when diagnosing this code is to replace the torque converter when the problem is a faulty torque converter clutch solenoid valve or valve body.

On which cars is this problem most common?

The problem with code P0741 can occur on different machines, but there are always statistics on which brands this error occurs more often. Here is a list of some of them:

• Acura
• Audi (Audi a6, Audi q7)
• BMW (BMW E39, E46)
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet (Chevrolet Ventura, Cruz, Lacetti, Orlando, Silverado)
• Citroen (Citroen C4)
• Daewoo
• Dodge
• Ford (Ford Kuga, Mondeo, Taurus, Explorer, Escape, F-150)
• Honda (Honda Odyssey)
• Hyundai (Hyundai Avanta, Grander, Santa Fe, Solaris, Sonata, Tucson, i40)
• Jeep (Jeep Grand Cherokee)
• Kia (Kia Magentis, Picanto, Rio, Sedona, Sid, Sorento, Sportage)
• Land Rover (Land Rover Freelander, Ewok)
• Lexus
• Mazda (Mazda 6, Protégé)
• Mercedes
• Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi Outlander)
• Opel (Opel Antara, Insignia)
• Peugeot (Peugeot 308, 4007)
• Saab
• Ssangyong (Sanyeng Aktion, Kyron)
• Subaru (Subaru Outback, Impreza, Tribeca, Forester)
• Suzuki (Suzuki Grand Vitara, sx4)
• Toyota (Toyota Avensis, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Rav4, Highlander, Esquire)
• Volkswagen (Volkswagen Passat, Touareg)

With fault code P0741, you can sometimes encounter other errors. The most common are the following: P0700, P0740, P0742, P0743, P0744, P1744, P2769, P2770.

What repairs can fix the P0741 code?

• Repair of torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve
• Replacing the torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve
• Repairing damaged wires to the torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve
• Valve Body Replacement
• TCM replacement
• Repairing damaged wires to the transmission
• Replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor
• In rare cases, major overhaul or replacement of the transmission

Additional comments for troubleshooting P0741

When diagnosing trouble code P0741, you must carefully check all wires, including the wires going to the transmission, TCM, and torque converter lockup clutch solenoid valve. On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove the transmission pan to gain access to the wires.

To properly diagnose and resolve the P0741 , it is recommended that you contact a qualified technician who has the necessary diagnostic equipment.

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How to carry out self-diagnosis of a car?

Toyota cars usually have 3 blocks of dynamic connectors: DLC 1, DLC 2 and DLC 3. These blocks can be either under the hood or inside the cabin. It all depends on the year of manufacture of the car. Without a special scanner, you can carry out self-diagnosis of the car. This will require wire. It should be bent like the letter P.

To carry out diagnostics, first of all, you need to turn off the ignition in the car. Next you need to do the following:

1. You need to open the hood of Rav 4 and remove the cover from the DLC 1 unit. Diagnostic will be written on the cover.
2. There is a list of connectors on this cover.
3. The pre-prepared wire must be inserted into the sockets, which are labeled on the cover as TE1 and E1. If the car has a DLC3 connector, then you need TC and CG sockets.
4. Close the wire.

Next you need to start the car and check the CHECK indicator. Based on this, the error number can be determined.

It is not difficult to determine the error code. You need to count how many times the indicator flashes at intervals of half a second or less. If the light stops blinking for about 1.5-2.5 seconds, then the next blinking will indicate the second digit. For example, the indicator may blink 2 times with an interval of half a second, then pause for 1.5-2.5 seconds and blink 3 times again. This means error code 23.

There may be a situation when several problems are detected at once. Then there will be more than one code. A pause between flashes of 2.5-4.5 seconds means a transition to the next code.

If the indicator blinks more than 11 times without pauses, then there are no problems with the transmission or engine.

It will be easier for the driver to determine the essence of the problem if there is a special auto scanner for diagnostics. It can be used to configure and diagnose the on-board computer. Without a scanner, you need to decipher error codes yourself using a table.

There are errors mainly related to malfunctions:

• transmissions;
• sensors;
• body components;
• engine;
• electricians.

On Toyota Rav 4, the error code usually consists of five characters, but there are also two-digit ones.