P0741 is a very common trouble code. It’s know to affect the Chevy Silverado quite often. Here’s what it means:
2002 Chevy Silverado Z71 ext cab 5.3 150000 miles ABS lights and Brake light came on then the speedo went off and transmission wouldn't shift. Got the comp scanned and it said vehicle speed sensor problem. I was told there was only one on the transfer case but I found two. Figured out which one was bad and replaced. The P0700 is a general trans control module failure that doesn't appear to affect the MIL. I also have the P1192 code, which also doesn't affect the MIL, and for which I haven't been able to find a specific definition. 1998 Chevrolet Silverado Codes P0300, P0306 And P1154. Just Replaced All Fuel Injector (spider Body Assembly) And My Truck.
P0741: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit → Performance or Stuck Off
The Silverado uses a clutch in the torque converter to lock the engine and transmission together at highway speed. P0741 can register whenever this connection is not happening at all or happening properly.
P0741 will not affect the way that your Chevy Silverado’s engine performs at all. It is purely a transmission related code. Although, the engine response may “feel” different without the torque converter locking.
P0741 Definition
The vehicles PCM (Powertrain Control Module) will throw the P0741 trouble code in the Chevy Silverado if there is a difference that is greater than 200 rpm between the transmission input shaft and the torque converter speed.
It is a generic powertrain code, which means that it has the same meaning regardless of who manufactured the vehicle (Silverado or not).
With P0741, the code gives you two reasons as to why the code has registered. They are:
- Performance– The clutch, like all clutches, is failing.
- Stuck Off– Somewhere in the Silverado’s wiring, there is an error that is keeping the TCC from engaging. More often than not, this is going to be the issue.
With this knowledge, there can only be so many things that are causing the P0741. We’ll discuss them directly below.
See Also: P0700 Chevy Silverado
P0700 Code Chevy Silverado 2500hd
Chevy Silverado P0741 Diagnosis
These are the most common problems that can cause the P0741 in the Silverado:
- Bad Torque Converter Lock up Solenoid– The solenoid that allows the torque converter to lock up is often the culprit. Here’s a good article on how to diagnose and repair the TCC Solenoid. This can be a tough problem for the shade tree mechanic to deal with. It involves a lot of checking for circuit resistance and testing the wiring. That being said, it sure doesn’t hurt to follow the wiring and see if you can find any noticeable issues. Here’s how to use a scanner to diagnose it:
- Bad Torque Converter Clutch– The clutch itself can go bad, just like a manual transmission. The good news is that when this clutch goes out the transmission will still take you to where you need to go. Even if it does so at a slightly higher RPM.
- Short in the TCC– A short in the wiring going from the TCC to the TCM can cause the P0741.
- Bad TCM– The transmission control module itself can be the cause of P0741 in your Silverado. Although, it’s probably not going to be the first place that you should check. The wiring should be the first place that you should check, as it will most likely be the problem.
Silverado P0741 Symptoms
P0700 Chevy Silverado 2011
Here are the three main symptoms of P0741 in the Chevy Silverado:
- Decrease in MPG– Since the converter cannot lock properly, fuel efficiency will decrease as highway RPM increases.
- Slightly Higher RPM at Speed– Increased RPM at higher speed is usually the most noticeable sign that there is something wrong with the TCC. It’ll feel like driving an older car. Locking torque converters only caught on in the late 70’s.
- Service Engine Soon– Even if there are no other symptoms of the P0741 OBDII code in your Chevy Silverado, the service engine soon light can cause it to fail inspection.
P0700 2008 Chevy Silverado
Good luck with the P0741 and your Chevy Silverado. If there is anything that you would like to add, please feel free to leave a comment below.