How To Fix P0741 Obd2 Codes?

The error code P0741 OBD II shows the defect in the Torque Converter Clutch Circuit related to performance. In automatic transmission vehicles, this code is very common.

What exactly P0741 OBD II Code means?

The P0741 code triggers when the computer of the vehicle feels that there is something wrong with the torque converter clutch.  In simple words, the torque converter clutch is not performing the way it should. All the new generation automatic vehicles have a torque converter in them. It is responsible for the transfer of force from the engine to the transmission. So it is making a connection between the transmissions as well engine.     

The real causes of the P0741 OBD II code

The main causes that are behind the code P0741 OBD II are the following:

• The torque converter is out of order 
• The internal transmission defects 
• The wiring lost connection  
• Wiring is broken 
• The fluid got dirty
• Torque converter got short 
• The transmission control is a malfunction
• Transmission wiring is damaged 
• The passage is not clear

Symptoms of P0741 OBD II code

The code P0741 shows these symptoms that are below:

1. Check Engine light: The first symptom is that your engine light will be illuminated. 
2. Shifting Gears Issue: The other symptom is that while you would try to shift gears the vehicle will show issues. Increasing the speed of the vehicles becomes difficult as the gears will not work the way they should.
3. Overdrive Light: The overdrive light will start flashing.  
4. Fuel Economy: The fuel economy will decrease slowly resulting in less mileage. 
5. Misfire: You will feel like the car is starting to misfire. 

Common Code P0741 OBD II Diagnosis Mistakes

The code P0741 is a very tricky code to handle as it involves many vehicle components. Sometimes the code deals with one or two components so you know where exactly the problem is.  

The most common mistake when looking to fix the P0741 code is directly changing the parts without ensuring the fault. Like changing the torque converter clutch directly while the problem may be in the fluid section or wiring of the torque converter clutch solenoid. 

The other parts such as the valve body and ECT sensor are also missed because the focus mainly stays on the target components of code P0741.   

Steps to Diagnose and fix Code P0741 OBD II

Tools to fix P0741 Code 

• Scanner 

How to start diagnoses Tools to fix P0741 Code OBD II 

The first part of fixing the code P0741 is the right diagnosis because if you will not diagnose the issue correctly the solution will not work for you. Here are the steps that you can follow to get it fixed. 

1. Scanning: First of all scan the vehicle properly to see if the P0741 code is showing. You need to record all the data associated with the scanning. Also, check if there is any other code appearing with the P0741 code or not. After doing both steps give a test drive to your vehicle and again check for the codes.  
2. Visual inspection: If you see that the P0741 code did not disappear then get to the visual inspection of the vehicle to find out the problem. 
3. Dirty Fluid: The moment fluid gets dirty the P0741 code also starts to show. The fluid color should be read and it should have a water-like consistency. The right and clean fluid will look like cranberry juice. If you feel that fluid is looking different and it got weird consistency then change it.    
4. Wiring: If the fluid is clear then get to the wiring part and start examining it. Inspect all the connected areas to see if there is any breaking or damaged wiring in the vehicle. If you found any then replace them.  
5. Other components: If all the above areas are clear then problems with other related components are becoming the reason for the P0741 code. In this case, you will look for the valve body, ECT sensor, Torque converter, etc. to get rid of this issue. 

Never take the code lightly to save your time and money for now. The problem involves many components so ignorance can cost you heavily later. 

Replace/Repair These Parts to Fix OBD Code P0741 OBD II

The code P0741 involves many areas so a proper examination is the key before repairing or replacing any component. If you do not diagnose it correctly then surely it will cost you later in form of any other code. Mainly replacing these parts will erase the issue. They are the following:

1. Torque Converter Circuit Solenoid: The problem mainly lies in this part so changing the torque converter clutch will be beneficial to resolve the problem. 
2. Faulty Wiring: Inspect the wiring of the torque converter clutch and transmission to see if there is any damage that can be fixed. 
3. Transmission Fluid: In the case where all the blame goes to the torque converter clutch your transmission fluid can also be the main culprit. 
4. Other components: If all the above components are working perfectly then you should consider other components such as the valve body, ECT sensor, etc. to clear the code issue.  
5. Even if you have resolved and diagnosed the issue yourself still get the time to take your vehicle to the mechanic for a detailed review. 

Cost related to P0741 code OBD II Repair 

The cost entirely depends upon the level of the issue a torque converter can cost around $1000. It also depends on the model of the vehicle. 

The severity of P0741 code OBD II

Never ignore the P0741 code because it is a very serious problem. The transmission is not working properly so at the start you might take it as a minor issue but later on it will result in serious damage. 

 The vehicle might need to get an entirely new transmission to fix it so ignorance will be costly for you. 

Other Codes related to P0741 code OBD II

The other codes that are related to P0741 are P0742, P0741, and P0743 as they are also related to the Torque clutch issues.