Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
A P0741 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a specific extension of OBD II code P0. P0 codes are generic regarding all makes and models and are displayed as P0XXX. The third numeral in the code sequence identifies where a vehicle’s OBD II system has encountered an error. The number seven indicates a malfunction with a vehicle’s transmission/gearbox. As it pertains to code P0741, your vehicle has detected that the TCC is performing outside of normal specifications, which can also result in the display of any similar code, ranging from P0740-P0744.
More About Error Code P0741
Your vehicle’s PCM will trigger DTC P0741 if it notices a difference between the rotational speed of the torque converter and the transmission input shaft. The rotational speed of the transmission shaft and the torque converter should always be equal when the torque converter lockup engine engages. If the torque converter RPM and the transmission input shaft RPM are not equal, DTCs P0740-P0744 may be triggered by the PCM in order to indicate that the TCC is operating outside of predetermined parameters.
The most common symptom among all diagnostic trouble codes is the illumination of your vehicle’s check engine light. This will indicate the presence of malfunctioning components and also indicate that repairs are required. Sometimes, in rare instances, there will be no symptoms present regarding P074X error codes. This is why it is important to take the activation of your check engine light seriously.
However, symptoms that are commonly experienced regarding these DTCs are most noticeable while driving. These symptoms include decreased fuel economy, stalling, symptoms related to misfires, and an inability to shift into a higher gear at high speeds.
There are many common causes of P074X error codes, all of which should be taken seriously. These causes may include a faulty valve body, a faulty TCC, a faulty torque converter lockup solenoid, a short in the TCC solenoid, damaged wiring to the TCC, a faulty transmission control module, or a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor. Sometimes, causes may also include damage of the wiring harness to the transmission or restricted hydraulic passages from dirty transmission fluid. Whatever the cause may be, it is imperative that one understands the severity of these codes.
The triggering of any P074X DTC indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is not operating properly. Driving a vehicle under these conditions may cause damage to other internal transmission parts. A P0741 DTC in itself is very serious and should be addressed as soon as possible and handled with adequate repairs.
Do not attempt to drive your vehicle long distances that require you to drive at high speeds. Stalling, symptoms related to misfires, and an inability to shift into a higher gear at high speeds are all symptoms of DTCs ranging from P0740-P0744, and could result in accidents if you attempt to drive over long distances. It is best to seek a qualified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repairs as soon as possible rather than continuing to drive with this code present.
A P0741 DTC can prove to be very difficult to diagnose. One must be sure to check all of the transmission wiring, the TCM, and the TCC solenoids. You must also understand that the transmission pan may have to be moved in order to access all of the wiring. If a faulty TCC solenoid or valve body is the problem, the TCC may need to be replaced. All diagnostic processes and repairs are best left to qualified mechanics.
Repairing a P0741 DTC can get very technical. Repairs range from repairing/replacing the transmission control module to repairing/replacing the TCC. It is best to leave these processes to expert mechanics.
Diagnosing and repairing an error code of this magnitude can prove to be extremely difficult. Therefore, if you require additional help regarding any P074X DTC, check out our list of qualified service centers around the nation to find a local mechanic near you!
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.