TransmissionGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0741: torque converter clutch not locking up
P0741 means: torque converter clutch (TCC) circuit: performance or stuck off.[1][2] In an automatic gearbox with a torque converter, the ECU commands the torque converter clutch (TCC) to lock under certain conditions, mechanically joining the engine and gearbox. P0741 is logged when that lock-up does not happen as commanded: the converter keeps slipping at cruising speed.[1][3]
What code P0741 means
In an automatic gearbox with a torque converter, the ECU commands the torque converter clutch (TCC) to lock under certain conditions, mechanically joining the engine and gearbox. P0741 is logged when that lock-up does not happen as commanded: the converter keeps slipping at cruising speed.[1][3]
It is a generic OBD-II code (it starts with P0), so the definition is the same on all brands; on some it is generated by the gearbox control unit and on others by the engine control unit.[2]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off[1][2]
Causes of P0741
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Faulty torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid, inside the hydraulic block: the most frequently cited cause.[1][2]
- 2Gearbox oil (ATF) that is degraded, contaminated or at the wrong level, which alters the pressure and makes solenoids or valves stick.[1][3]
- 3Solenoid circuit wiring or connectors with a short circuit, corrosion or poor contact.[2][3]
- 4Valve body that is dirty or worn, or with internal leaks.[1][3]
- 5Worn torque converter, especially at high mileage and with poor oil maintenance.[1][3]
- 6According to one of the sources, also a faulty coolant temperature sensor.[2]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on.[1][2]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Higher fuel consumption, especially on the motorway, because of the converter's constant slipping.[1][2]Uses more fuel: faults that cause it
- Engine speed higher than normal at a steady speed, with the rev counter raised in the tallest gear.[1][3]
- Jerking or vibration at a steady speed, and in some cases limp mode.[3]Jerking: faults that cause it
- Gearbox oil overheating because of the excessive slipping.[1][3]
How to diagnose P0741
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Check the level and condition of the gearbox oil (ATF). Old, low or burnt oil explains many cases and is the cheapest thing to correct; if the manufacturer calls for it, change it together with the filter.[1][3]
- 2On a road test, use the diagnostic tool to read the TCC lock-up command and the converter slip at a steady speed.[1][3]
- 3Check the gearbox wiring and connectors and measure the supply, earth and resistance of the TCC solenoid before thinking of a mechanical fault.[2][3]
- 4If the electrical circuit is fine and the slip persists, consider the valve body and, last of all, the torque converter.[1][3]
Can I keep driving with P0741?
Garage soon
You can drive gently for a while, but the constant slipping heats the oil and can damage the gearbox clutches in the long run; it should be checked soon. Carista rates the severity as medium.[1]
Documented faults related to P0741
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Automatic gearbox (torque converter and CVT): the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonMultitronicWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common2.0 CDI (OM640)Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearboxYes: the Autotronic continuously variable gearbox, optional on the 180 CDI and 200 CDI, is the problem cited most by owners of the 140 hp version (24 of 114 testimonies) and a fault hotspot according to the ADAC up to 2006. A German source recommends avoiding it and choosing the manual gearbox.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMultitronicControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
- High severityFrequency: Common7G-Tronic / 9G-TronicConductor plate and speed sensor failure (limp mode)Yes: one of the most cited weak points of the 7G-Tronic (722.9) is the internal conductor plate, which integrates the turbine, output and intermediate-shaft speed sensors; if it fails it can trigger a limp mode with delayed shifts or harsh jerks, although it does not always require replacing the whole gearbox.
- High severityFrequency: CommonAudi A6 C6Wear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versionsYes: on front-wheel-drive versions with the Multitronic (CVT) gearbox, gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents jerking when pulling away that can progress to complete failure, especially on older cars; fiches-auto.fr adds selector lock-ups and torque converter breakages. The quattro versions, with the Tiptronic gearbox, do not share this problem.Repair (garage): €1,000Appears at around 120,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonMINI Cooper R50Faults in the CVT automatic gearbox, the manual gearbox and the clutchAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the Mini R50 accumulates 22 gearbox mentions and 32 clutch mentions, and the CVT automatic variant is described as fragile and 'to be avoided'. Wikipedia confirms that the CVT and the manual gearboxes were fitted depending on the year.
Frequently asked questions
What does code P0741 mean?
That the ECU has detected that the torque converter clutch does not lock when commanded (or does not respond as it should). It is a generic code and means the same on all brands.[1][2]
Can I keep driving with P0741?
For a while and gently, yes, but sustained slipping overheats the oil and can end up damaging the gearbox. It is best to check it soon.[1]
Does the torque converter need replacing?
Not necessarily. The most commonly cited cause is the TCC solenoid, and degraded oil explains many cases; the converter is the last thing to be replaced, after ruling out oil, wiring, solenoid and valve body.[1][3]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0741?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[4]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- P0741: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OffCarista · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- Código P0741: comportamiento del circuito de embrague del convertidor de par o atascadoCódigosDTC · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Code défaut P0741Carverif · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish