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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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

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Just an update. View attachment 411570 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.

View attachment 411570

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

How about we begin a class action lawsuit on defective transmission? Steve.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

ZF 9HP came to Ridgeline in 2020.

 

For model year 2020 in calendar year 2019.

Also I wonder why Honda didn't just use the 9HP in the Ridgeline originally if it was used in the Pilot back in 2015 and the Ridgeline is based on the Pilot.

1. Cost

The much more complex ZF 9-speed almost certainly costs more than the 6-speed that Honda designed and manufactured in-house.

2. Availability

Part of the reason Honda is still using the 9-speed is because they can't make enough of their new 10-speed for all applications.

The 9-speed replaced the 6-speed in phases just like the 10-speed will eventually replace the 9-speed. It can't happen all at once. Honda has to decide which models will get the new stuff first. The Ridgeline is one of Honda's slowest-selling products which is likely why it hung on to the 6-speed for so long and still hasn't got the updated gauge cluster, infotainment, steering wheel, brake system, etc.

 

Don't wish for the Honda 10-speed too soon. The Ody forum reporting several failures with very low miles on them. Hopefully have the bugs worked out before the RL picks it up.

 

My 17 RTL with 35k miles was just in for the P0741 light came on for the second time after the first time replacing only my starter (for the second time - long story). Today the transmission service was done where the fluid was drained and there were NO METAL SHAVINGS so I am out $330! Does anyone else have this issue? The service was not indicated yet on my vehicle, was it?

 

Just confirmed I have the same problem with my 2018 RTL-E with 30,000 miles. Torque converter solenoid failure. "P0741 - Shift Solenoid Valve C Stuck OFF." That explains why the trouble code only appears on the highway and usually with cruise control engaged.

Thankfully, this one is covered by the 5-year/100k powertrain warranty. A little under $5,000 for the repair otherwise.

 

Took my 17 RTL-E in on Tuesday for the 'Transmission system problem" message. Code P0741. Only 55k miles. Drives fine, but I have had both poor fuel economy and the "Emissions system problem" message. I had taken it in previously for the emissions problem message and they replaced several things (don't recall exactly what, but the fuel injectors were one), but I never saw the improvement in fuel economy I was told to expect. I wonder if the torque converter has been the problem all along. Regardless, I am very disappointed in Honda to have a major power train issue at such a low mileage. Currently fighting with the dealership to get it covered under warranty since the power train warranty expired between the time I called to schedule the service and the time they could get it in.

 

Add me to the P0741 list. 2017, ~115k miles including a fair amount of towing. I recently got an obd2 reader to watch trans temp and it gets real hot (220+F) in ambients over 85F while towing. I’ve only gotten a trans temp warning light once, and that was before I had the OBD reader.

About 50% of trips now, without a trailer on flat land, I get the P0741 on highway. Do not get code in D4 (no OD gears). 4x flush no change.

I just put in a big atf cooler but suspect that was too late. The OE cooler is inadequate for towing in hot weather.

Likely a fried TC clutch, will need to find a transmission shop to verify. Guessing a junkyard tranny is cheaper than rebuilding.

 

Add me to the P0741 list. 2017, ~115k miles including a fair amount of towing. I recently got an obd2 reader to watch trans temp and it gets real hot (220+F) in ambients over 85F while towing. I’ve only gotten a trans temp warning light once, and that was before I had the OBD reader.

About 50% of trips now, without a trailer on flat land, I get the P0741 on highway. Do not get code in D4 (no OD gears). 4x flush no change.

I just put in a big atf cooler but suspect that was too late. The OE cooler is inadequate for towing in hot weather.

Likely a fried TC clutch, will need to find a transmission shop to verify. Guessing a junkyard tranny is cheaper than rebuilding.

The transmission is likely overheating because the TCC is slipping rather than the TCC slipping because the transmission overheated. If so, the largest cooler in the world may not have prevented this failure.

Given the prevalence of torque converter and transmission failures with the 6-speed, a used one would be too much of a gamble for me.

 

My recent issue caused me to join this forum and query other posts for similar stories. My story is somewhat familiar, but with a unique twist. I hope sharing my experience helps others if they encounter this growing problem.

On 7/13/22 a warning light came on my dash "Transmission System Problem". My Ridgeline is four years old, had 77,742 miles, the AT fluid was changed within two years, I have maintenance performed per Maintenance Minder and dealer recommendations, and I do not tow or haul heavy cargo. The truck drove fine, no hesitation or noise or slipping.

I figured out the warning light came on after driving at 60 miles an hour for at least two minutes. I also figured out if I engaged the "D4" button on my shifter disabling the transmission from shifting from 4th to 5th the warning light would not light up. My junior engineering hunch was a failure was occurring shifting between 4th and 5th gear. I took my truck to a trusted local mechanic, and he found error code "P0741-02, Trans toque TCC, system stuck off. History". The error would go to history when the ignition was turned off.

I was given a third party unlimited extended powertrain warranty from the dealer I purchased the truck from in 2018 as an incentive. Unfortunately, the warranty fine print Terms and Conditions specified the oil must be changed every 7,500 miles or the warranty was void. I followed my Honda Maintenance Minder (which indicates to change the oil roughly every 10,000 miles) so my warranty was void before the first oil change in 2018. I took my truck back to the dealer and they confirmed the error code and diagnosis to replace the Torque Converter.

To the credit of my dealer and Honda they generously agreed to cover 90% of the cost to replace the Torque Converter as a good will gesture to a loyal Honda customer (we have four Honda's in my family). I've had the truck back for three days and driven about 150 miles and no warning light.

Hopefully my story will help others diagnose a similar problem and negotiate with their dealerships to assume some of the repair costs if they are no longer covered under the new vehicle powertrain warranty.

 

Welcome to the ROC!

Good to know your dealership went to bat for you and Honda covered most of the cost. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

Good news. They also must have determined the trans was not contaminated and were able to avoid that one for replacement too. Lots of reported torque converters failing in these vehicles. Now if we could figure out why it'd really be good !

 

New to the forum...my 2017 first displayed the "transmission system problem" msg several weeks ago at 77k miles, code 741 found, local dealer performed recommended fluid flush, etc. Truck behaved for several weeks with no more warnings. On 9/2 I drove 150mi @ mostly 70-80mph...same drive back 2 hrs later...no warning msg displayed. On 9/3 the msg showed after 2 mi @55mph...stayed on for another 50 mi @60-70mph...2 hrs later, msg off upon startup but returned after about 10 mi @60-70mph. Another stop for 15 minutes, msg off at startup and did not return for remaining 20 mi @60-70mph. All 9/2&3 driving done with cruise ctl on, no visible variation in RPMs. So the messaging seems to be erratic, you would think the problem would be consistently present, leaves me wondering if this is really a problem with the torque converter or if it is really just a loose wire/bad sensor/defective diagnostic software. Any comments or observations welcome. PS Honda dealer & corp both declined to provide a converter.

 

I would just drive it. Being not under warranty and the message is intermittent, I would drive it as long as the tranny felt normal.