P0740 on 2015-2021 Jeep Renegade: TCC Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2021 Jeep RENEGADE

The Jeep Renegade in this year range, particularly with the 2.4L engine, uses the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission (model 948TE). This transmission is known across several brands for having complex software and being sensitive to fluid level and quality. Unlike many older transmissions, it does not have a traditional dipstick, making a simple fluid check more complicated for DIYers. 🎬 Watch: How to check fluid levels without a dipstick. Software updates from the manufacturer have also been released to address various shifting issues, which can sometimes be related to this code. The 948TE is used in a wide range of vehicles from different manufacturers, meaning issues and solutions are often shared across platforms.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Transmission slipping or shuddering, especially at highway speeds (40-60 mph)
• Harsh or delayed shifts
• Vehicle stalling when coming to a stop
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine RPM is higher than usual at highway speeds
• Transmission may enter 'limp mode'
• Transmission overheating or a burning smell from the fluid
• Whining or humming noise from the transmission area

Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The 948TE transmission is sensitive to fluid level and condition. There is no standard dipstick, making it difficult for owners to check and maintain the proper level, increasing the risk of it being low or neglected. Contaminated fluid can cause solenoids to stick or internal components to fail.
   How to confirm: Check the fluid level and condition using a special 948TE dipstick tool (like Mopar P/N 10323A) and a temperature chart. The fluid should be at the correct level for its temperature and appear clean (red), not brown, black, or burnt-smelling. Finding excessive clutch material in the pan is a strong indicator of internal wear.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill with the correct Mopar-specified fluid (ZF 8&9 Speed ATF). If the fluid is very dirty, several drain-and-fills may be required to cycle out the old fluid, as a single drain only removes a portion of the total volume.
   Est. part cost: $60-$150 for fluid
2. Faulty Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter The TCC solenoid is an electronic component that can fail electrically (open or short circuit) or mechanically (sticking) over time. On the 948TE, the solenoids are part of a pack or integrated into the valve body, making replacement an involved job.
   How to confirm: A technician can command the solenoid on and off with a professional scan tool to check its operation. It can also be tested for proper resistance with a multimeter after being accessed, which requires removing the transmission pan and valve body. If the code returns immediately after being cleared, even with the engine off, it strongly suggests an electrical open or short in the circuit.
   Typical fix: Replace the TCC solenoid. This is often done as part of a complete solenoid pack or valve body assembly inside the transmission.
   Est. part cost: $100-$350 for a solenoid pack
3. Internal Torque Converter Failure 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter For many Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge vehicles, a P0740 code is often a direct indicator of a mechanical failure of the clutch inside the torque converter, even though the code definition points to an electrical circuit. 🎬 See common causes and fixes for the P0740 code. The clutch material wears out, preventing lock-up and contaminating the fluid. The provided TSB #9004009 for other Jeep models also supports this, stating that if the TCC solenoid is okay, the code indicates torque converter failure.
   How to confirm: This is diagnosed after all other causes (fluid, wiring, solenoid) are ruled out. A technician will use a scan tool to monitor torque converter slip speed, which will be excessive (e.g., >100 RPM) when the TCC is commanded to lock. Finding excessive metal shavings or clutch material in the transmission pan is another strong indicator.
   Typical fix: Replace the torque converter. This is a major repair that requires removing the transmission from the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $500-$4000+
4. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability Wiring harnesses can become damaged over time due to heat, vibration, or corrosion, leading to an open or short in the TCC solenoid circuit. Early models of the 9-speed transmission were known to have wiring harness defects.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the transmission for any signs of damage. Check for continuity and shorts using a multimeter from the TCM connector to the transmission connector. Pay close attention to the main connector at the transmission case.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness or the connector.
   Est. part cost: $20-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Software: → Shop Transmission Assembly The TCM itself can fail, or its software may need an update. Jeep has issued TSBs for TCM software updates on the 948TE transmission to fix various shifting issues. A dealer or qualified shop should always check for the latest software flash before performing major repairs.
• Faulty Valve Body: → Shop Transmission Valve Body The valve body directs hydraulic fluid flow. A crack, blockage from debris, or a sticking valve within the body can prevent the TCC from operating correctly, even if the solenoid itself is functional. In many cases, the solenoids are replaced with the valve body as a single assembly.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for any other stored trouble codes, especially P0700 or other transmission codes.
2. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. This is critical but requires a special dipstick tool and knowledge of the temperature-based fill chart for the 948TE transmission.
3. Inspect the transmission wiring harness and connectors for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
4. If the code clears and immediately returns with the key on/engine off, suspect an electrical open/short in the circuit.
5. Use an advanced scan tool to monitor the TCC solenoid command and the actual torque converter slip RPM. Excessive slip (>100 RPM) when lock-up is commanded points to a mechanical issue (converter) or hydraulic issue (valve body).
6. Test the resistance of the TCC solenoid circuit to check for opens or shorts.
7. If the solenoid and wiring test good, but the converter still won't lock up, the problem is likely internal to the torque converter or valve body.
8. Check for any available Transmission Control Module (TCM) software updates at a dealership, as software glitches can cause false codes.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #68157995AB) — The most common cause is low or degraded fluid. The 948TE transmission requires a specific fluid (Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF or equivalent) to function correctly.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $25-$35 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25 per quart
• Transmission Valve Body w/ Solenoids (OEM #68374503AA (Verify by VIN)) — If the fluid is correct, the solenoid itself may have failed. On the 948TE, solenoids are often serviced as part of the complete valve body assembly.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $750-$1200
  Aftermarket price range: $400-$700
• Torque Converter — In cases where the solenoid and fluid are fine, the torque converter's internal clutch has likely failed mechanically, which is a common issue on FCA vehicles that sets this code.

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — P0700 is a generic code that simply means the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has stored a fault code. It almost always appears alongside a more specific transmission code like P0740 to signal that a transmission-related problem exists.
• P0741 — P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off) is a related code that indicates a mechanical/performance issue with the lock-up system rather than a purely electrical circuit fault like P0740. Seeing both can point more strongly toward an internal hydraulic or mechanical failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 21-025-20: While not for P0740 specifically, this TSB shows that FCA has issued software updates for the 948TE transmission in the Renegade to fix other DTCs and drivability issues, highlighting the importance of software.
• Correction: The provided TSB 9004009 applies to the 62TE transmission, not the 948TE in the 2015-2021 Renegade. However, the diagnostic logic from that TSB is still relevant: if the TCC solenoid tests okay, the torque converter itself is the likely failure point.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The 9-speed (948TE) transmission in the Renegade is a 'sealed' unit without a dipstick, which complicates fluid level checks.
• FCA has released multiple software updates for the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to improve the performance of this transmission. It's always worth checking if the vehicle has the latest software.
• While the code P0740 points to an electrical circuit, on many FCA products it is a very common indicator of mechanical failure of the torque converter itself.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Torque Converter Slip Speed (Live Scan Tool Data) — expected: < 50 RPM when TCC is commanded to lock at cruising speed.. Failure: A slip rate consistently greater than 100 RPM when lockup is commanded indicates a mechanical failure of the TCC or a hydraulic issue.
• TCC Solenoid Duty Cycle (Live Scan Tool Data) — expected: Varies based on demand, but should not be maxed out.. Failure: A duty cycle greater than 85% for 10 seconds or more while slip is also high is a trigger condition for the code on some FCA vehicles.
• TCC Solenoid Resistance — expected: Approximately 1.0 - 2.5 ohms, but check service manual for exact spec.. Failure: A reading of infinite resistance (open circuit) or zero resistance (short circuit) indicates a failed solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or equivalent high-level scanner): Transmission Quick Learn Procedure — This procedure is required any time the transmission, valve body, or TCM is replaced, or when adaptation memory cells are cleared. It is also used to address customer complaints of poor shift quality and should be performed after any major transmission repair.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Jeep KJ and KK Liberty Forum user (2002 Jeep Liberty (different model, but same brand and code)) — Check engine light with P0740 code. No noticeable shifting problems.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis was inconclusive.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The torque converter was replaced, which cleared the code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• RL374503AA → 68374503AA — Part update or replacement.
  Heads up: CRITICAL: Multiple parts catalogs show this part (68374503AA) is for the 6-Speed Aisin transmission, NOT the 9-Speed ZF 948TE found in the 2.4L Renegade. This part number should not be used for this vehicle.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015-2016: Early model year Renegades with the 9-speed ZF (948TE) transmission were subject to numerous complaints, a class-action lawsuit, and recalls related to hard shifts, lurching, and sudden shifts to neutral. These issues could be related to hardware (wiring harness) or software problems that may present with a P0740 code.
• 2019-2021: For the 2019 model year, a facelift introduced a new 1.3L turbo engine as an option, while the 2.4L remained. The 6-speed manual transmission was discontinued.