P0741: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off
Updated November 12, 2026
At steady highway speeds, an automatic transmission locks the torque converter clutch to reduce slip and save fuel. P0741 means the computer commanded it to lock but still saw too much slip.
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🔧 Want to check this yourself? An OBD2 scanner reads the code; models with live data also show the sensor readings used in the checks below. See code readers and scanners from $24.99 ↓ · Which scanner do I need?
Common causes
- Low or degraded transmission fluid
- A failing torque converter clutch solenoid
- A worn torque converter clutch
- Valve body or internal transmission problems
Code meanings can vary slightly by manufacturer. Use these as a starting point and confirm with your vehicle's service information or a mechanic before replacing parts.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Higher engine RPM than usual at highway speed
- Worse fuel economy
- Shudder at around 35 to 50 mph on some vehicles
Is it safe to drive?
Usually drivable short term, but check the transmission fluid right away; slipping creates heat that can damage the transmission.
How to check it with a scanner
- Plug an OBD2 scanner into the port under the dashboard and read all stored codes and the freeze-frame data (the conditions when the code set).
- Check transmission fluid level and condition using your vehicle's procedure; burnt-smelling or very dark fluid is a warning sign.
- Look for other transmission codes in the transmission module.
- Compare engine speed and transmission input speed in live data at a steady cruise (with a passenger reading the scanner).
- After a repair, clear the code and drive normally for a few days to confirm it doesn't come back.
A basic code reader shows the code; scanners with live data let you watch sensor readings, which is what you need for most of the checks above. See OBD2 scanners under $100.
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Questions
What does P0741 mean?
P0741 is the generic OBD2 code for "Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off." At steady highway speeds, an automatic transmission locks the torque converter clutch to reduce slip and save fuel. P0741 means the computer commanded it to lock but still saw too much slip.
Is it safe to drive with P0741?
Usually drivable short term, but check the transmission fluid right away; slipping creates heat that can damage the transmission.
How do I check P0741 myself?
Read the code and freeze-frame data with an OBD2 scanner, then: Check transmission fluid level and condition using your vehicle's procedure; burnt-smelling or very dark fluid is a warning sign. Look for other transmission codes in the transmission module. Compare engine speed and transmission input speed in live data at a steady cruise (with a passenger reading the scanner).
Related codes
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