Malfunction Indicator Lamp On - Check Engine Light, DTC P0741 Sets After Extended Drive Time or During High Ambient Temperatures (Replace Torque Converter, If Necessary)

Some customers may comment that the check engine light is on. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0741 set as current or in history.

Engineering investigation shows that the root cause to this condition is due to a mechanical concern internal to the torque converter clutch (TCC) assembly. This mechanical concern can cause residual automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to become trapped between the front cover and the friction / clutch apply plate internal to the TCC assembly, thus not allowing the friction plate to fully engage / apply intermittently. This intermittent condition is decreased as the ATF temperature increases above 212°F (100°C).

DTC P0741 is set when:

1. Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) is commanded "ON"
2. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) temperature is greater than 212°F (100°C)
3. TCC slip speed is greater than 100 rpm for a cumulative time of 12 seconds during the current key-cycle

To help ensure the proper diagnosis and to verify / duplicate the DTC, perform the following road test procedure:

1. Using a Tech 2®, review and record/capture the stored Freeze Frame Failure records.
2. If DTC P0741 set with an ATF temperature less than 212°F (100°C), refer to the 2006 P0741 Diagnostic Information and Procedures in SI.
3. If freeze frame records indicate that the DTC set with an ATF temperature is equal or greater than 212°F (100°C), continue to Step 4.
4. Clear all prior DTCs and Freeze Frame Failure Records stored in the TCM and ECM.
5. Monitor the ATF temperature until the actual temperature is at or greater than 212°F (100°C).

Note: It may be necessary to perform a Stall Test in order to increase the ATF to the required testing temperature. Refer to the Stall Test procedure in SI.

6. With the ATF temperature at the testing specification, begin to road test the vehicle observing the following testing conditions:

6.1.	Accelerate under normal driving conditions until the transmission current gear is fifth and the TCC command is "ON."

Note: Most cases highway conditions are most favorable to achieve testing conditions.

6.2.	Release the throttle pedal for approximately three seconds.

6.3.	Reapply the throttle pedal to achieve a throttle angle reading of 15% and hold this value for approximately five seconds.

6.4.	Continue the above two steps while ensuring that the ATF temperature stays above 212°F (100°C) during testing for approximately five minutes or until DTC P0741 resets.

Note: In most cases, DTC P0741 will set within one to two minutes using the above testing procedure.

Evaluate P0741 by performing the diagnostic procedure listed above to see if the DTC resets. If the DTC does reset, replace the torque converter. If the DTC does not reset, follow published diagnostics in SI.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: