P0743 – Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid -electrical

By Reinier (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2017-07-20
Automobile Repair Shop Owner

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P0743 Mean?
2. What are the common causes of code P0743 ?
3. What are the symptoms of code P0743 ?
4. How do you troubleshoot code P0743 ?
5. Codes Related to P0743
6. Get Help with P0743

What Does Code P0743 Mean?

OBD II fault code P0743 is a generic code that is defined as “Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid –electrical”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects an abnormal voltage in the electrical control circuit of the TTC (Torque Converter Clutch) solenoid. Note that this code refers to an electrical malfunction of the TTC solenoid or its control circuit, and only very rarely to issues with hydraulic pressure or mechanical failures of an automatic transmission.

Virtually all modern applications use a Torque Converter Clutch that is controlled by the PCM (via a solenoid) to regulate the amount of slippage between the engine and the transmission. Since torque converters depend on the shear strength of transmission fluid to transfer power from the engine to the transmission, some slippage that affects performance and fuel economy negatively is inevitable.

Thus, by using a mechanism that locks the two halves of the torque converter together, a solid link, much like how a clutch on a manual transmission locks the engine to the transmission. The advantages of this include the facts that by regulating/varying the amount of torque converter lock-up, gear shifts can be made almost seamless, and that on powerful high-end applications, large amounts of slippage can be used to both make gearshifts smooth and comfortable, and to protect transmission components against damage caused by aggressive acceleration.

The image below shows a typical TTC solenoid and how it (and its associated parts) fit into the valve body of a typical automatic transmission.

What are the common causes of code P0743 ?

Some common causes of code P0743 could include the following-

• Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, or corroded wiring and/or connectors
• Defective TTC solenoid
• Dirty, contaminated, or degraded transmission fluid that prevents proper operation of the TTC solenoid. Note that this is rare, and that this condition will almost certainly be indicated by codes that indicate that the solenoid is either stuck in the “ON” or “OFF” position.
• Failed or failing PCM or TCM. Note that this a rare event, and the fault must be sought elsewhere before any control module is replaced

What are the symptoms of code P0743 ?

Some common symptoms of code P0743 could include the following-

• Stored trouble code, and possibly and illuminated warning light
• Other transmission related codes may be present
• Gear shifts may be harsh
• Severe transmission slippage may be present, especially during hard acceleration
• Depending on the application and the nature of the problem, the engine may stall when coming to a stop, since the torque converter clutch may not be disengaging
• Transmission may overheat
• Fuel consumption may increase
• In rare cases, there may be no discernible symptoms present apart from an illuminated warning light and a stored trouble code

How do you troubleshoot code P0743 ?

NOTE: Inspect the transmission fluid to determine its condition before starting this diagnostic/repair procedure to either confirm or eliminate dirty, degraded, or contaminated transmission fluid as the cause of the problem.  Replace the transmission fluid and filter if the fluid is deemed to be inadequate, or refer the vehicle to the dealer or other competent repair shop for professional assistance if the transmission has a ”life-time” fluid fill.

Step 1

Assuming that the transmission fluid is serviceable and up to the proper mark, record all fault codes present, as well as all available freeze frame data. This information could be of use should an intermittent fault be diagnosed later on.

Step 2

Refer to the manual to locate and identify the TTC wiring harness and connectors. Inspect all wiring and connectors for damage and corrosion that could cause open and/or short circuits. Make repairs as required.

Step 3

If the code persists, prepare to perform resistance, continuity, and ground checks on all associated wiring. However, be sure to determine the function and color-coding of all wiring before commencing with any tests, and be sure to disconnect all wiring from all relevant control modules to prevent damaging one or more control modules during resistance and continuity tests.

Compare all obtained readings with the values stated in the manual, and if discrepancies are found, make repairs as required to ensure that all electrical values fall within the ranges specified by the manufacturer.

NOTE: Pay particular attention to the internal resistance of the TTC solenoid itself, since its resistance is a reasonably good indicator of its overall condition. Thus, if the solenoid’s internal resistance deviates markedly from the value stated in the manual, the solenoid is likely defective and it must be replaced.

Step 4

If the fault persists, but all wiring checks out, use the scanner to command the TTC solenoid “ON” and “OFF”, while monitoring the status of the solenoid on the display. If the solenoid’s status does not change but the wiring is known to be good, the solenoid is almost certainly defective.

Note that while it may be possible to replace the TTC solenoid on a DIY basis, this is generally not possible on transmissions with “life-time” fluid fills. In these cases, the better option is to refer the vehicle to the dealer or other competent repair shop for professional assistance.

Step 5

If however the solenoid can be replaced, be sure to follow the instructions in the manual exactly to avoid causing damage, albeit inadvertently.

If the TTC solenoid is located inside the transmission, be sure to replace both the filter and the oil pan gasket after the solenoid had been replaced. Note that it is good idea to use the scanner to command the new solenoid “ON and “OFF” before replacing the oil pan to be sure that the replacement is working properly.

Replace both the transmission fluid filter and the oil pan gasket after the solenoid replacement, and be sure to use only the transmission fluid that is recommended for that application to avoid issues with lubrication and performance later on.

Step 6

Once it is certain that the transmission fluid is up to the mark, operate the vehicle for at least one complete drive cycle before scanning the system again to see if the code returns. If the code does not immediately return, the repair was successful.

If the code does return, suspect either an intermittent wiring fault or a defective control module but note that intermittent faults are more likely than failed control modules. If an intermittent fault is suspected, repeat all electrical tests until the fault is found and repaired, or refer the vehicle to a competent repair facility to diagnose potential failures of a control module.

Codes Related to P0743

• P0740 –“Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction”
• P0741 – “Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off”
• P0742 – “Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stock On”
• P0744 – “Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent”

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