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I have an 07 RDX that is throwing a P0741 Torque converter code. I have changed the fluid (Drain/Refill). I did a complete flush a year ago (drain/refill/drive 3 times). I have tested all the solenoids and they all seem to be working as should be. I was about to write it off as torque convertor clutches worn and decided to try to drive it in "Sport Mode" using the paddle shifters. So far, it will not throw the code if I manually shift it. Does this help narrow anything down? Does the torque convertor not lock out in sport mode? Any thoughts?
Hope it is not a stupid question but you did clear all codes after right? What does the freeze frame data tell you (ie at what speeds is the permanent code thrown, what rpm, and other data).
Are you using OEM fluid or something slightly different? What km's.
Hope it is not a stupid question but you did clear all codes after right? What does the freeze frame data tell you (ie at what speeds is the permanent code thrown, what rpm, and other data).
Are you using OEM fluid or something slightly different? What km's.
Hi Yang,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I cleared the codes, comes right back. I will get more detailed speed and rpm. Used Honda DW1 fluid. 304,000 miles.
ok, so I drove it around for literally 45 minutes last night, various speeds from 0-80, stop and go. Shifted smooth no issues, no trouble code thrown. Had my wife drive it this morning, within 2 minutes of leaving the house, it threw the code. She recorded a video of it. Light acceleration up to 55 MPH, 2200 RPMs. About 12 seconds after shifting into 5th is when the code appeared. Message says check transmission and D light flashes. The ugly P0741 code!
Hmmm, is your transmission fluid at the correct level? I had an issue once on another make where low fluid level caused the transmission to lose the highest gear.
I think the procedure is drive the car till its up to temperature then shut it off and pull the tranny dipstick, wipe it, then put it in and check the measurement within 90 seconds on flat ground. (Honda defined procedure). If its too low then i can see an issue occurring at the high end.
Another thing you could do is reset the transmission adaptation. Was it reset after you changed the old fluid? It should relearn the characteristics but we are slightly shooting in the dark here.
In terms of actions i would check the transmission level with the honda procedure. If good then try to recreate the issue as your partner drives.
Check your motor mounts, i do not know if this happens with hondas but on volvos, collapsed motor mounts in the older models can cause the axels to flex a bit on the transmission leading to random neutral engagements or inability for the torque converter to engage properly.
Hmmm, is your transmission fluid at the correct level? I had an issue once on another make where low fluid level caused the transmission to lose the highest gear.
I think the procedure is drive the car till its up to temperature then shut it off and pull the tranny dipstick, wipe it, then put it in and check the measurement within 90 seconds on flat ground. (Honda defined procedure). If its too low then i can see an issue occurring at the high end.
Another thing you could do is reset the transmission adaptation. Was it reset after you changed the old fluid? It should relearn the characteristics but we are slightly shooting in the dark here.
In terms of actions i would check the transmission level with the honda procedure. If good then try to recreate the issue as your partner drives.
Check your motor mounts, i do not know if this happens with hondas but on volvos, collapsed motor mounts in the older models can cause the axels to flex a bit on the transmission leading to random neutral engagements or inability for the torque converter to engage properly.
Hope it helps!
Appreciate the tips. Fluid level is right on. Checked per the owners manual (up to temp, within 90 seconds). The confusing thing is it will do fine, all day long in sport mode (paddle shifting). I will check over the motor/transmission mounts.
Appreciate the tips. Fluid level is right on. Checked per the owners manual (up to temp, within 90 seconds). The confusing thing is it will do fine, all day long in sport mode (paddle shifting). I will check over the motor/transmission mounts.
That sounds like it has to do with the torque converter lock up.
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I cleared the codes, comes right back. I will get more detailed speed and rpm. Used Honda DW1 fluid. 304,000 miles.
Misread the odometer reading. At near 489,000 km's it may just be normal wear and tear over time. I've seen a few RDX's with 400-450k km but never that high so congrats on that.
Does the transmission code cause limp home mode and SH-AWD deactivation or is it just a nuisance code? You could try some of that lucas oil stop slip stuff which i have heard works in AISIN transmissions but am not sure how much success people have had with the ZF transmissions on these cars.
Some people call it snake oil but in a pinch on cars like ours it never hurts. I've had success with head gasket sealers when used according to directions so to each their own.
Anyways my advice would be to see if its worth fixing in the sense that a problem exists, or if its just a nuiscance code. I think Dali may be correct though given the mileage and readings you have provided.
I have an 07 RDX that is throwing a P0741 Torque converter code. I have changed the fluid (Drain/Refill). I did a complete flush a year ago (drain/refill/drive 3 times). I have tested all the solenoids and they all seem to be working as should be. I was about to write it off as torque convertor clutches worn and decided to try to drive it in "Sport Mode" using the paddle shifters. So far, it will not throw the code if I manually shift it. Does this help narrow anything down? Does the torque convertor not lock out in sport mode? Any thoughts?
I have the same exact problem. Did you manage to fix it or just kept it running ever since?
07-31-2023, 10:20 AM
