Torque converter clutch

What it means

The torque converter joins the engine to an automatic gearbox through fluid. At steady speed a clutch inside it locks the two together to save fuel. These codes mean the clutch is not locking, is stuck locked, or its control solenoid has an electrical fault.

Codes in this group

Bank 1 is the side of the engine that has cylinder 1. Sensor 1 is before the catalytic converter and sensor 2 is after it. More terms explained.

What you may notice

• Engine speed a little higher than usual at cruising speed
• Shudder at 60 to 80 km/h
• Engine stalling when you stop (clutch stuck on)
• Higher fuel use

Common causes

Most likely first:

• Old or wrong transmission fluid
• A faulty lock-up solenoid
• A worn torque converter
• Valve body wear
• Wiring fault

What to check first

• Check when the transmission fluid was last changed and whether the correct type was used
• A fluid change sometimes cures a shudder, but not a worn converter

Have a mechanic confirm. A fault code tells you which system reported a problem, not which part has failed. The same code can have several causes, and they differ between car models. Use this page to understand the code, then have a qualified mechanic test the car before any part is replaced.

After the repair

Once the cause is fixed, the code can be cleared with a scan tool, or the warning light goes out by itself after several trips without the fault. Clearing a code without fixing the cause only hides it for a while. More about clearing codes.

Related codes

Transmission control system request (P0700), Transmission range (gear selector) sensor (P0705), Transmission fluid temperature (P0218), Transmission input and output speed sensors (P0715), Incorrect gear ratio (P0729), Shift and pressure control solenoids (P0745), Clutch pedal position sensor (manual gearbox) (P0805). All codes.

Written in November 2026. These are generic OBD-II codes, the same on all makes. Causes and repair steps differ between models.