[king2br]

Bought my 2017 black edition with 78k miles, now has 83k. Have been experiencing the error code po741 at consistent highway speeds for a month or two now, finally got it diagnosed this week. Of course they want to either replace the torque converter clutch ($3200) or the whole transmission ($6200). Thing is, it drives just fine, no noticable changes. From what I have read, the torque converter clutch just locks in at highway speeds to save you some fuel economy, and with it not functioning will just run at slightly higher rpm. Anyone else had this problem? I plan to not fix for now since it is so expensive and driving great, am I wrong? Could this lead to problems down the road?

Thanks

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[phineas]

The person here on the forums who is our transmission expert is @zroger73. Let’s see if he responds. I can understand why you don’t want to spend that much. Have you looked into a used or possibly rebuilt (do they still do this?) transmission?


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[zroger73]

See the thread below about another member who had a P0741 code. Unfortunately, they haven't follow up yet. I discussed some possible causes for P0741.

The torque converter clutch in a modern vehicle locks up shortly after you start moving in first gear and stays locked up most of the time. If the TCC is not engaging at all, your fuel economy will decrease, the transmission will run hotter, and the fluid life will decrease dramatically. You'll usually get an "Emissions System Problem" message as well because the engine will be turning faster than it's supposed to which can increase emissions levels above allowable thresholds.

If you're NOT getting an Emissions System Problem message, your fuel economy hasn't decreased, and you don't notice any difference in the way the vehicle drives or an increase in engine RPM while cruising on the highway, then most likely your TCC is working and the P0741 code is the result of the PCM's ability to detect that it's applied due to a faulty TCC pressure switch, clogged fluid path, or wiring problem. If that's the case, your issue may be resolved by replacing the external solenoid valve body instead of the torque converter and/or transmission. However, deeper and more careful diagnostics will be needed to make that determination and that's something that most dealers won't do - they'll just recommend a new transmission as a "catch all".

Since you can't be certain the TCC is engaging or engaging fully at this time, you run the risk of ruining the transmission. I suggest you go get a second and third opinion. You might get out for much less than the cost of a new torque converter or transmission.

Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Code and 5 other codes

I need the expertise of the group once again for a 2017 Ridgeline RTL-E with a little over 42,000 miles. When coming home today with approx. 120 miles to go the instrument panel lit up with two warnings: (1) Trans. System Problem along with a symbol of D overlapped with P and a dashed line...

www.ridgelineownersclub.com

 

[zroger73]

See the thread below about another member who had a P0741 code. Unfortunately, they haven't follow up yet. I discussed some possible causes for P0741.

UPDATE: The member replied a short while ago stating that the dealer replaced the torque converter.

 

[stevem5215]

If it were mine I'd do a 4x dump and fill on the fluid first. And the first one I'd take a sample of it and send it to Blackstone labs for analysis. I'd do the first r/r of the fluid and then drive it a day. Then each day after I'd change it again. Also, I'm not sure where the connection for the Torque converter lock up is but if it's accessible easily I'd take it off and check the pins for corrosion and maybe hit them with some dielectric grease. Maybe if you are lucky this will help you out. If not then you'll still have to r/r the Torque converter and a aftermarket shop will be much easier on the wallet VS any STEALERSHIP ! Like my buddies Tranny shop in Coraopolis, Pa.

Steve

 

[king2br]

Appreciate the advice everyone, I'll get a second opinion and let you know what I find out.

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[angineer]

Appreciate the advice everyone, I'll get a second opinion and let you know what I find out.

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Any luck yet? I'm having the exact same issue with my 17 Black Edition. Truck only has 46K Miles, and ex Salvage title, so dealer won't fix it under warranty. p0741 would pop up after driving on the highway. Tranny fluid was changed recently and it didn't look dirty, carfax shows records that transmission fluid was changed like every 15k at Honda Dealer. Suspicious, isnt? Another strange thing that i've discovered: I clearly hear a clunking noise coming from the transmission when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear. Hear it all the time when i'm driving, and when car is up in the air at my friend's shop. any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[shadetree]

I had PTC0741 on a 17 RTL with 64K mi. The "Transmission Sytem Problem" message would come up everytime I got to highway speed 55 mph or higher. I took it to dealer. They did a 2x fill and flush, and software update as per SB 17-025. I was skeptical, but I took it out on the highway for 40 mi... no rreturn of PTC0741! We will see if it returns in future.

 

[Don P]

Hi Shadetree,

I have a 17 RTL also with 98000 miles and have the same message. Mine only appears very randomly. I have driven on 250 mile trips with nothing and then it can happen several times in one day. I'm planning on trying the same fix you did. Do you think the fluid change cured your problem?

 

[shadetree]

Hi Shadetree,

I have a 17 RTL also with 98000 miles and have the same message. Mine only appears very randomly. I have driven on 250 mile trips with nothing and then it can happen several times in one day. I'm planning on trying the same fix you did. Do you think the fluid change cured your problem?

Sorry fo hear about that . Unfortunately, it did not cure the problem. The dealer had to replace the torque converter. I kind of suspected that to be the case. Fortunately, it was covered by the 7yr. 100K powertrain warranty that came with the truck. I purchased it used as a CPO.
There is a marked difference in driveability now. The rpm's are lower at highway speed and transmission oil temp is about 30 degrees cooler. I strongly suggest you keep a close eye on both and change that fluid at least, ASAP.

 

[Don P]

Thanks for your response. It's not exactly what I wanted to hear but good to know.

I have always changed the trans fluid as recommended and I did have the trans fluid changed again recently. But I don't think that the Honda dealer used the ATF DW-1 fluid mentioned in the service bulletin because on the invoice they listed bulk ATF. I wonder if that makes a difference.

The error only appears very randomly. I've had my truck since new and the fuel economy and drivability have not changed. Unfortunately my truck is out of warranty and Honda is quoting $4000 for a new torque converter. But it seems from what I have read on this forum replacing the entire converter is the only way to eliminate that message.

 

[Don P]

Just an update.

After exploring lots of possible causes for the P0741 code I went to a pretty high quality local transmission shop and had them pull the transmission and rebuilt it. They found the problem in the torque converter.

A major piston had sheared just near the edge which. I'm not a auto trans specialist but this apparently was caused the P0741 error to appear. The transmission itself was in good shape but they rebuilt it anyhow. The truck runs much better than I can remember and the gas mileage is back up in the high 20's on the highway. The rebuild cost 5,000.00 but was less than rebuilt units from Honda. I contacted Honda and they pretty much blew me off.

But the original diagnosis from Honda was correct, that is the problem was the torque converter

 

[HondaHarry]

Got a 2005 Honda Accord Coupe v6 3.0 with a P0741code. Hear a chattering coming from under it. Put the anti chattering transmission stuff in it. Never noticed and gas mileage or RPM trouble or problems. Chattering stopped for a little bit when I put the stuff in. But now its back. What causes the chattering in the first place? Ty in advance for any responses.

 

[Celltech]

It's a simple and crummy picture but should get the point across. The broken part above should be the Piston in the diagram. This piston will push the friction disc into the front cover and "lock up" the torque converter. If the piston is cracked or not sealing properly I can imagine it could chatter constantly...

 

[Don P]

It was funny because the transmission never made any strange noise. It seemed to operate and shift fine. The only indication of a problem was decreasing gas mileage. That and the occasional P0741 error code. Eventually I found metal filings in the fluid and that prompted me to get it rebuilt. It looks like a poor design to me. The material where the piston failed is very thin. It's maybe the thickness of sheet metal.

 

[Garcia]

Question

has this been addressed in the 2021 ridgeline? Meaning if I dump my 17 for a 21 will I be in a better place transmission wise?

 

[zroger73]

There has been one report of a failed 9-speed transmission on this forum and no reports of overheating or torque converter clutch judder.

This is compared to 33 reports of failed 6-speed transmissions and dozens of reports of overheating and torque converter clutch judder.

So far, the 9-speed in the 2020-current Ridgeline appears to be more reliable than the 6-speed in the 2017-2019.

 

[Don P]

But how long has the new 9 speed units been in service. The problems with the old 6 speed trans (mine included) didn't show up untill 80-90 thousand miles. I doubt many of the 9 speed units have that many miles yet. I hope you are right and Honda did their homework selecting a better trans.

 

[zroger73]

But how long has the new 9 speed units been in service.

Honda began using the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission in 2014.

The problems with the old 6 speed trans (mine included) didn't show up untill 80-90 thousand miles.

Many 6-speed failures have occurred at a much lower mileage according to the List of transmission failures thread. Here are the mileages for the first 11:

13,600
58,000
7,200
30,000
18,000
14,000
64,000
63,000
68,351
32,000
45,000

This list of 33 (so far) includes only transmission replacements. It does not include torque converter replacements, other repairs, TCC judder, or overheating.

 

[Don P]

Honda began using the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission in 2014.



Many 6-speed failures have occurred at a much lower mileage according to the List of transmission failures thread. Here are the mileages for the first 11:

13,600
58,000
7,200
30,000
18,000
14,000
64,000
63,000
68,351
32,000
45,000

This list of 33 (so far) includes only transmission replacements. It does not include torque converter replacements, other repairs, TCC judder, or overheating.

Thanks for that data. That's interesting. With such a wide range of mileages it would be interesting to know what failed in the transmissions. My failure was actually the torque converted main piston and I got a P0741 error.

Where was Honda using the ZF 9 speed in 2014?

I have some experience with ZF transmissions in other vehicles and indsutrial applications. They produce a very high quality product. I would feel very confident in a ZF transmission based on my experience with the company.