P0742

Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit Stuck On

Car Fault Codes Transmission

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a specialist or dealer

Typical repair time 1 hour – 10 hours

Typical cost SAR 250 to 5,000

What it means

The transmission control module (TCM) has detected that the torque converter clutch stays locked when it should be released, such as when slowing down or stopping. This is like driving a manual car without pressing the clutch at a stop, and it can make the engine stall suddenly.

Symptoms5

Engine stalls or nearly stalls when coming to a stop or slowing sharply.
Engine lugging or car shaking when in Drive while stopped.
A bump or clunk when shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive.
Weak acceleration from a standstill.
Check engine light on.

Possible causes6

Torque converter clutch solenoid mechanically stuck on because of debris.
Dirty transmission fluid carrying particles that hinder valve movement.
Sticking lockup control valve in the valve body.
Short in the control wire that keeps the solenoid energized on some designs.
Internal converter fault that keeps the clutch applied.
Fault in the driver circuit inside the transmission computer (less common).

How to diagnose5

Confirm the complaint: the engine lugs or stalls at a stop, and this disappears when the selector is moved to Neutral.
Watch the lockup command and converter slip on a scan tool; near-zero slip with lockup commanded off means the clutch is stuck.
Check the circuit for a short that keeps the solenoid energized, and unplug the solenoid to see whether the behavior changes.
Check fluid condition and look for debris in the pan and filter.
If the clutch stays applied with the solenoid unplugged, the fault is hydraulic in the valve body or inside the converter.

How to fix6

Repair any wiring short that keeps the solenoid energized.
Change the transmission fluid and filter to remove debris.
Replace the stuck torque converter clutch solenoid.
Clean or replace the valve body if the lockup valve is sticking.
Replace the torque converter if the fault is inside it.
Clear the codes, then test several stops and starts and confirm no stalling and no returning code.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low when a wiring short or a stuck solenoid is the cause, and rises if a valve body or a new torque converter is needed.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Is it dangerous to drive with this code?

It can be, because the engine may stall suddenly at a light or junction, making steering and braking heavier. Drive carefully and only a short distance to a workshop.

Why does the engine stall only when stopping?

A locked clutch ties the engine directly to the wheels, so when the wheels stop the engine is forced to stop too, just like a manual car without the clutch pressed.

This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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