P0740 Code - Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (& How to Fix it)

The P0740 trouble code appears in your transmission control module when there is a problem with the torque converter clutch circuit.

There could be many causes of this, and in this guide, you will find everything you have to know about the P0740 code.

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Code P0740 Definition

P0740: Torque Converter Clutch – Circuit Malfunction

What does the P0740 code mean?

The P0740 code indicates that the transmission control module recognizes an issue with the torque converter clutch circuit.

Automatic cars usually use a converter to transfer the power between the engine and the transmission. This torque converter does actually consists of transmission fluid, which helps the engine to move forward.

For the torque converter to activate, there is a torque converter solenoid controlling it. If the circuit to this solenoid fails, the p0740 code may be stored.

P0740 Trouble Code Symptoms

The most common problem you will notice when the P0740 appears is a check engine light or gearbox light on your dashboard. You will most often not have any shifting or drivability problems, but it can be noticeable in some cases.

The code P0740 symptoms include:

Check engine light illuminates
A gearbox warning light appears
Shifting or drivability issues

Causes of the P0740 Code

The P0740 error code is triggered when there is a problem in the circuit to the Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid.

Any of the following problems can trigger the P0740 error code:

Faulty Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid
Faulty Wirings to Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid
Wiring corrosion to the Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid
Faulty transmission control module (TCM)

How serious is the P0740 Code?

Medium – In some cases, it happens that you will not notice any problems at all with the trouble code stored.

Unfortunately, this trouble code may cause shifting or driveability problems that can cause you to be stranded on the road. By not repairing the P0740 code, you may also cause other transmission problems in the long run.

What repairs can fix the P0740 code?

Replace Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid
Repair Faulty Wirings to Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid
Repair or Clean Connector plugs to the Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid
Replace Transmission control module (TCM)

Common P0740 Diagnosis mistakes

The most common mistake of the P0740 is to think there is a problem with the torque converter itself and maybe replace it.

The p0740 code clearly states a problem with the electrical circuit to the torque converter clutch solenoid and not a problem with the torque converter itself.

How to diagnose the P0740 Trouble Code

Diagnosing the P0740 is often pretty straightforward. You need to find some measure values for your specific car and transmission model, though. You will find these in a repair manual for your car.

Connect an OBD2 scanner and check for any related trouble codes.
Remove the large plug from the transmission (Sometimes this is not possible on some transmission models)
Find which two pins are going to the Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid. Ohm, measure these two after the specifications in the repair manual.
If there is an open circuit at the transmission plug or a value far outside of the specs, you need to remove the transmission pan and locate the clutch solenoid. Measure the same on the solenoid when you found the transmission clutch solenoid. Replace if faulty.
If the values seem to be within specifications, make an output test from the transmission control unit with your scanner and measure if it sends 12v+ and ground. If it is not – it may be a wiring problem or a faulty transmission control module.

Estimated P0740 Repair Cost

Here are some examples of common repairs related to the P0442 code. The prices include parts and labor. It does not include diagnosis costs.

Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid Replacement – 100$ to 300$
Transmission Wiring repair – 50$ to 150$

Related P0740 Trouble Codes

P0700: Transmission Control System TCS Malfunction

Common P0740 Related Questions

How to fix P0740 code?

To fix the P0740 code, you need to diagnose a faulty converter clutch solenoid or a wiring issue causing the problem. To do so, you can follow our diagnosis guide in this article.

What causes code P0740?

A faulty converter clutch solenoid most often causes the P0740 code, but in some cases, it can also be caused by bad wirings to it and even a bad transmission control module.

What does P0740 mean?

The p0740 code means that there is a problem in the circuit between the transmission control module and the torque converter clutch solenoid. A faulty solenoid or bad wirings can cause this.

How to clear code P0740?

To clear the P0740 code you need an OBD2 scanner which can read the transmission control module of your car model. Remember that just clearing the trouble code will most likely not fix the issue.

16 thoughts on "P0740 Code – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (& How to Fix it)"

I’m driving a 2007 Entourage with 310,000 miles. I have changed the trans mission fluid and filter every 50,000 miles. I’ve been getting a P0740 code without any manifestations for the last 50,000 miles. The transmission fluid is still clean and pinkish How do I test the solenoids and where are they located Thank you

03 Honda Civic coupe 1.7 ltr w/ 200k. I recently had the A/T shudder fixed by draining old fluid out 3 seperate times with Genuine Honda ATF. Then, about 6 months later I get the P0740 code with no symptoms at all. She runs great.I changed the TTC solenoid with the OEM part from the dealer. CEL still on, it stays off for like 50 miles when I clear the code, but always returns. I'm thinking of swapping out the Linear Solenoid next but its real expensive from the dealer. Any advice?

My check engine light is on and my reverse went out but all the other gears work sometimes the check engine light goes off and comes back on

My 2017 2ss Camaro was hesitating then "grabbing," it also started vibrating (seemed like on right side of car), took it to the chevy dealer and they said it was the torc converter, what should I be concerned about.

2013 chrysler town and country code p0740 car is high idling and stalls sometimes when slowed down

We have a 2013 as well, and the code popped up 2 days agao. Did you get your situation resolved, and if so how? Thanks in advance.

I have a 2004 Honda crv when you put it in gear it goes in and out of drive and when you move it it sometimes pops out of gear it has a flashing D light on trouble codes are PO780 and PO740 I replaced all the solenoids pressure sensors and speed sensors and it still does the same thing have any suggestions

So, the P0740 code came on in my son's 2001 Jeep Wrangler (4.0l, 3 speed auto trans, 4wd). Had the trans overhauled, new filter, fluid, valve body, new torque converter). 100 miles later, the check engine light returned the same code? What else is there to repair?

Battery is good car starts no lights on dash on car wont move

HI Chris. I too have a P0740 code that comes on and goes away on exactly the same 01, Jeep Wrangler three speed auto. Did any one reply to your question?

Have a 20111 Chrysler Town and Country Limited, 3.6L flex fuel engine; 62 TE 6 speed transmission; 74,500 miles. Got the P0740 fault. Tranny shifts perfectly , both automatically and "manually". Dropped both bottom and front pans, replaced atf fluid with Valvoline+4 synthetic fluid and replaced the TCC solenoid. Old fluid didn't have any metal parts, not thick and black and ugly. Checked wiring for broken, frayed wires didn't see any. I erase the fault but it keeps coming back. Again, tranny shifts perfectly, both automatically and "manually". It does go in to 6th gear, i see the tach go down a bit when it does. and stays there. Took to Chrysler dealer they checked and "think it is the torque converter. But agree they are not sure that IS THE Problem. Any ideas, please?

I have a 2011 Town and Country too! I did exactly what you did and my light keeps coming back on too. Did you ever resolve this? Thank you

Any luck and resolution with your Chrysler Town and Country P0740 fault? Thank you

I'm getting the p0740 code, this is what my truck is doing....back out driveway fine ,put in gear truck sits there, maybe 30 seconds, finally goes in gear , drives 100 yards it disengages again, coast for 100 yards, then it engages for 100 yards, then it disengages again over and over...HELP

It sounds like a problem with a shift solenoid or the shift stick. Check with a scanner and see the live data if the Transmission control unit is getting the "Drive" signal from the stick.

Sounds like control module, mine did the same, replaced it and let it circulate, got up and went, there are kits for them, never worked on one so don’t know how extensive It would be