GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0741: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) System - Stuck Off

Circuit/System Description

The transmission control module (TCM) controls the torque converter clutch (TCC) lock up pressure control solenoid valve. The solenoid directs the hydraulic fluid for TCC apply and release. When the TCC is released, the engine is coupled by fluid to the transmission.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No Throttle Position (TP) Sensor DTC P0120
    • No Transmission Range (TR) Switch DTCs P0706, P0707, or P0708
    • No Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor DTCs P0711, P0712, or P0713
    • No Speed Sensor DTCs P0717, P0722, P0727
    • No Pressure Control (PC) Solenoid DTCs P0962, P0963, P0966, P0967, P0970, or P0971
    • No Shift Solenoid (SS) Control Circuit DTCs P0973, P0974, P0976, P0977, P0979, P0980, P0982, P0983, P0985, or P0986
    • No Transmission Torque Delivered Circuit DTC P2637
    • No Communications DTCs U0100 or U2104
    • Engine speed is greater than 400 RPM.
    • Input Speed is less than 3000 RPM.
    • Range equals D, M, or L for 8 seconds.
    • Transmission oil temperature is greater than 20°C.
    • Engine torque is 46-240 N·m.
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 10.5 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Engine speed minus input speed is less than 50 RPM for 12 seconds when the TCC is commanded off - low torque converter slip.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The transmission will operate in 5th gear in D or M range, 2nd gear in L range.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0742 is a Type A DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Improper transmission fluid level may cause DTC P0741 to set. Refer to the Transmission Fluid Check .

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

    •  Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
    •  Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the DTC information with a scan tool.
  2. Record Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  3. Clear DTCs.
  4. Operate the vehicle under the conditions observed in the Failure Records.
  5. Observe the DTC information with the scan tool. Verify that the DTC does not set.
  6. Operate the vehicle in D (drive). Using a scan tool, observe the TCC Slip Speed parameter in 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear while the TCC PC Sol. Ref. Current parameter is more than 1000 mA. The TCC Slip Speed parameter should not be more than 100 RPM.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Engine ON, apply the parking brake, select P (park) using the Shift Control.
  2. Observe the scan tool Transmission ISS parameter. The reading should be within 400-800 RPM.
  3. If the ISS parameter is not within the specified range, test or replace the Transmission Input Speed Sensor (ISS). Refer to the Input Speed Sensor Replacement .
  4. Operate the vehicle in 3rd gear. Observe Gear Ratio parameter on the scan tool. The Gear Ratio parameter should not equal 2.84:1.
  5. If the Gear Ratio parameter equals 2.84:1 while in 3rd gear, test or replace the:
    • 3-4, 4-5 shift solenoid valve assembly
    • U1 shift valve
    • Refer to the Control Valve Body Assembly Disassemble procedure.
         ⇒If all conditions test normal, test or replace the control valve body assembly. Refer to Control Valve Body Replacement .
  6. Perform a line pressure test. Refer to Line Pressure Check procedure.
  7. Remove the Control valve body cover. Refer to Control Valve Body Cover Removal .
  8. Inspect the inside of the control valve body cover for excessive sediment. There should not be excessive sediment.
  9. If excessive sediment is found inspect and replace as necessary the Torque converter assembly, Input shaft, and Fluid pump stator shaft assembly. Refer to Torque Converter Assembly Removal , Forward and Direct Clutch Assembly Assemble and Transmission Fluid Pump Cleaning and Inspection .
    If all conditions test normal, test or replace the transmission.
  10. Inspect the control valve body assembly for the following conditions. The conditions should not be found.
  11. • Stuck lock up relay valve
    • Stuck lock up control valve
    • Stuck TCC check valve
    • Stuck secondary regulator valve
    • Stuck solenoid relay valve
    • Stuck TCC lock up PC solenoid valve assembly
    • Refer to Control Valve Rear Body Disassemble and Control Valve Body Disassemble - Middle .
         ⇒If any of the above conditions are found, replace the valve body assembly. Refer to Control Valve Body Replacement .
  12. Verify that the control valve body has been serviced within the past 3 months.
  13. If the control valve body has not been serviced, replace the control valve body assembly. Refer to Control Valve Body Replacement .
    If all circuits and components test normal, replace the transmission.
  14. If all circuits and components test normal, replace the transmission.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.