P0742 code meaning
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0742 means
P0742 means the converter clutch stays applied although commanded off – there is almost no slip. GM's T43 flags −50 to +13 rpm for 1.5 s six times and the 6T70 −20 to +30 rpm for 2.5 s, both after one trip; Allison and Saab's Aisin AF40 after two trips, the AF40 also when the engine stalls without slip. Typical is the engine stalling when stopping or when selecting D or R, plus jerking at low speed. Note the different uses: Ford's P0742 is a short to ground in the clutch solenoid circuit (stuck on is P2758 there), and Saab's 9-3 of 2003 uses it for a mechanical lock-up fault.
P0742 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1.5 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0742
- Engine stalls when stopping or selecting D/R
- Jerking or bucking at low speed
- Check engine light or transmission warning
Common causes of P0742
- Most likelyConverter clutch control valve sticking in the applied position
- PossibleSolenoid stuck open (or short to ground with low-side control)
- PossibleLock-up clutch seized in the converter
- PossibleWrong fluid level or contaminated fluid
- Less likelyEngine or turbine speed signal implausible
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Torque converter clutch solenoidTorque converterTransmission valve bodyTransmission control module
What each part of P0742 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 42 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0742 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0742
What does P0742 mean?
P0742 means "Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On". P0742 means the converter clutch stays applied although commanded off – there is almost no slip. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0742?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0742 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0742 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0742 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0742 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0742 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.