P0740 on 2020-2025 Kia Telluride: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride

For the Kia Telluride, especially the 2020 model year, this code is closely related to the more common P0741 code. Kia released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB TRA089) for early production 2020 Tellurides to fix overly sensitive diagnostic logic that could falsely trigger a P0741. While P0740 is an electrical circuit code, it's critical to rule out this software issue before pursuing hardware replacements, as the symptoms and underlying system are the same. Some owners report that occasional shifting issues accompanied by a P0741 code on early models can be resolved with this software update.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Reduced fuel economy
• Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds
• Engine RPMs are higher than usual at cruising speed
• Harsh or delayed gear shifts
• Vehicle may stall when coming to a stop
• Transmission may enter 'limp mode', limiting vehicle speed

Most Likely Causes

1. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Update Needed 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly Kia issued TSB TRA089 for 2020 Tellurides (built Feb 6, 2019 - Dec 9, 2019) to correct overly sensitive diagnostic logic for the related P0741 code. This should be the first check for any 2020 model.
   How to confirm: A Kia dealership can check the vehicle's ROM ID against the TSB (Upgrade Event #484) to see if the update is needed and has been applied.
   Typical fix: The dealer reprograms the TCM with the improved software logic.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if under warranty or covered by TSB)
2. Faulty Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Solenoids are common failure points in modern automatic transmissions due to electrical failure or becoming clogged with debris.
   How to confirm: Test the solenoid's resistance at the transmission case connector (pins 1 and 14). The expected resistance is 5.3 ± 0.3 ohms. A reading outside this range (open or shorted) indicates a faulty solenoid.
   Typical fix: Replace the TCC solenoid. This requires removing the transmission pan and possibly the valve body to access the solenoid.
   Est. part cost: $70-$150
3. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly While less common as a direct cause for a circuit code, low fluid can cause a variety of transmission performance issues, and dirty/contaminated fluid can clog solenoids and valve body passages, impeding function.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be at the correct level and reddish, not dark brown or burnt-smelling. The Telluride uses SP-IV M / SP4-M fluid. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to changing your Telluride transmission fluid
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid and filter service using the correct OEM-spec fluid. A full flush may be recommended if the fluid is very contaminated.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250
4. Damaged Wiring or Connectors ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the external transmission wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Test for continuity and voltage at the TCM connector and the transmission connector to isolate a break in the internal or external harness.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness.
   Est. part cost: $20-$500

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Valve Body: → Shop Transmission Valve Body Clogged hydraulic passages or a warped valve body can prevent the TCC solenoid from functioning correctly, even if the solenoid itself is good. This is usually diagnosed after replacing the solenoid doesn't fix the issue. The related Hyundai TSB for the Palisade suggests replacing the valve body harness along with the solenoid.
• Internal Torque Converter Failure: → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter The mechanical lock-up clutch inside the torque converter can fail. This is a major repair that requires removing the transmission. A service action (SA428) was issued for 19 specific 2020 Telluride VINs (produced May 18-20, 2020) to replace the entire transmission and torque converter assembly due to potential noise and vibration, indicating it's a known, though rare, possibility.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check if the vehicle falls under TSB TRA089 (2020 models built between Feb 6, 2019 - Dec 9, 2019). If so, have a dealer verify if the software update has been performed.
2. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure it is clean, at the proper level, and does not smell burnt.
3. Using a capable OBD-II scanner, monitor the live data for TCC command and TCC slip RPM to see if the computer is attempting to lock the converter and if it's failing to do so.
4. Inspect the external transmission wiring harness and connectors for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
5. Test the TCC solenoid circuit resistance from the transmission connector. For the Telluride, check between pins 1 and 14; the reading should be approximately 5.3 ± 0.3 ohms. An open or shorted reading points to a bad solenoid or internal harness.
6. If the resistance is out of spec, the TCC solenoid or internal harness is likely faulty. This requires removing the transmission pan for further inspection and replacement.
7. If the circuit tests good externally, the issue may be mechanical (a sticking valve in the valve body, a clogged fluid passage) or a failure within the torque converter itself.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid (OEM #46313-4G200) — This solenoid is the most common hardware failure for this code after software issues have been ruled out. It is a shared part with other Kia/Hyundai models like the Sorento, Carnival, and Cadenza.
  Trusted brands: Kia/Hyundai (OEM)
  OEM price range: $70-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (SP-IV M) (OEM #UM022-CH269) — Required for any service that involves opening the transmission pan, such as replacing the TCC solenoid. Using the correct fluid is critical for the A8LF1 transmission's health.
  Trusted brands: Kia (OEM)
  OEM price range: $20-$30 per liter
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25 per liter

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0741 — P0741 indicates 'TCC Performance or Stuck Off'. P0740 is an electrical circuit fault, while P0741 is a performance fault. They often share the same root causes, such as a faulty solenoid or software issue, and TSB TRA089 was written specifically for P0741.
• P0743 — This code points specifically to an electrical failure (e.g., open or short) in the TCC solenoid circuit. It is very similar to P0740 and can be triggered by the same faults.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TRA089 / NHTSA ID: 10174981: 'TCM MIL ON DTC P0741 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT' - Addresses sensitive diagnostic logic on some 2020 Tellurides.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB TRA089: Some 2020 Tellurides produced between February 6, 2019, and December 9, 2019, may set a related code (P0741) due to overly sensitive TCM logic, which is corrected by a software update.
• Service Action SA428: A small number of 2020 Tellurides (19 specific VINs) produced from May 18-20, 2020, were subject to a service action to replace the entire transmission and torque converter assembly due to potential noise and vibration.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TCC Solenoid (46 Clutch) Resistance — expected: 5.3 ± 0.3 Ohms. Failure: A reading of infinite resistance (open) or near-zero resistance (short).
• Line Pressure Control Solenoid Resistance — expected: 5.1 ± 0.3 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside the specified range.
• SS-A (On/Off Shift) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 10.0 - 11.0 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside the specified range. This solenoid has a different resistance from the variable-force solenoids.
• TCC Solenoid (Variable Force Type) Current — expected: 0 - 1100 mA (commanded by TCM). Failure: Current reading on a scan tool does not change when the TCM commands TCC lockup, or current is zero when it should be active.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Kia GDS / KDS (OEM Scan Tool): Oil Pressure Characteristics Input — This is a mandatory reprogramming/learning procedure that must be performed after replacing any of the five variable-force solenoids on the A8LF1 valve body to register the new components with the TCM.
• Kia GDS / KDS (OEM Scan Tool): Actuation Test — To manually command the TCC solenoid on and off while monitoring live data (like solenoid current and TCC slip RPM) to verify if the solenoid is responding to commands from the TCM.
• Kia GDS / KDS (OEM Scan Tool): Resetting Adaptive Values — After a repair, such as a fluid change or component replacement, to clear the learned transmission shift adaptations and force the TCM to relearn shift points and pressures.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Case Connector (Solenoid Pins) — The main round electrical connector on the outside of the A8LF1 transmission case.. This is the primary access point for testing the resistance of all internal transmission solenoids without removing the pan. The TCC solenoid is tested between pins 1 and 14. Other solenoids have unique pin pairs for diagnosis (e.g., Line Pressure is pins 7 & 22, SS-A is pins 7 & 9).
• 91862-S9010 — This is the OEM part number for the transmission ground cable on 2020-2022 models. It connects the transmission case to the vehicle chassis/frame.. A poor or corroded ground connection can cause erratic voltage and current in the solenoid circuits, potentially triggering a P0740 code even if the solenoid and power-side wiring are good.
• Main Grounding Bolt (Fuse Panel) — Typically a silver bolt located on the chassis near the interior fuse panel, with multiple ground wires attached to it.. This is a common grounding point for various interior modules. While not directly for the transmission, ensuring it is clean and tight is good practice when diagnosing any electrical fault.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Mechanic anecdote on AliExpress review (2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (with shared A8LF1 transmission)) — Erratic shifting and a generic transmission fault code (P0700).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing all individual solenoids, Performing a transmission fluid flush
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem persisted until the entire valve body assembly was replaced with a new, genuine OEM unit. This resolved all shifting issues.
• YouTube video 'KIA & Hyundai 8 Speed Transmission #A8LF1/#2020 توضيب قير ازيرا' (2018 Hyundai Azera (with shared A8LF1 transmission)) — TCC performance codes (P0741), no reverse gear, and harsh shifting.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed to the valve body.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A complete transmission teardown revealed a mechanically failed/burnt clutch drum. The ultimate fix was a full transmission rebuild, including new clutch packs and replacing the damaged drum.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 46313-4G200 → 46313-4G200 — No supersession found.
  Heads up: This part number appears to be stable and is used across the entire 2020-2025 model range and in other Kia/Hyundai vehicles with the A8LF1/A8MF1 transmission. No incompatible revisions were noted in search results.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2023-2025: The Telluride received a major cosmetic and technological facelift for the 2023 model year, including new front/rear fascia, new wheel designs, and a new dashboard with dual 12.3-inch screens. However, the 3.8L V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (A8LF1) were carried over without significant changes. Therefore, the diagnosis and repair for code P0740 remain the same as for pre-facelift models.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Spontaneous Windshield Cracking 🟠 Medium — Widespread across 2020-2023 models. Numerous NHTSA complaints led to a 'Customer Satisfaction Initiative' for 2020 models and a class-action lawsuit for 2020-2023 models. (Ref: Customer Satisfaction Initiative (not a formal TSB/recall) for 2020 models.)
• Tow Hitch Wiring Harness Fire Risk 🔴 High — Affects 36,417 Tellurides from 2020-2022 equipped with the factory 4-pin tow hitch harness. Moisture can enter the module, causing a short and potential fire even when parked. (Ref: NHTSA Recall 22V-626.)
• High Beam Headlight Failure 🟠 Medium — Affects 35,031 Tellurides from the 2020 model year with halogen headlights, built between Jan-Nov 2019. Heat from the bulb damages an internal mechanism, disabling the high beams. (Ref: NHTSA Recall 24V-148 (Kia's number SC299).)
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🟠 Medium — Reported by numerous owners of the 3.8L GDI engine. Can lead to oil starvation if not monitored closely. Dealers may consider 1 quart per 1,000 miles as 'within spec'.
• Radiator Vulnerability to Debris 🟡 Low → Shop Radiator — The open lower grille design leaves the radiator and condenser susceptible to damage from road debris, leading to potential coolant leaks and overheating.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this repair, using used parts is generally not recommended. However, if on a strict budget, a TCC solenoid from a documented low-mileage, accident-damaged donor vehicle might be a viable risk. A used valve body is extremely risky and should be avoided.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 40000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the donor vehicle's mileage is low.
• Ask for service history if available to see if transmission fluid was ever changed.
• Inspect the transmission fluid from the donor car if possible; if it's dark, burnt, or contains metal particles, reject the parts.
• For a valve body, there are no reliable visual cues for internal wear, making it a gamble.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Valve Body Assembly: Forum and mechanic experiences strongly suggest that only a new, genuine OEM Hyundai/Kia valve body assembly should be used if replacement is necessary. Aftermarket units are known to cause persistent shifting problems.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or generic valve bodies
• Rebuilt valve bodies without documented testing and calibration reports

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0741 — A closely related torque converter clutch (TCC) performance code; TSB TRA089 specifically addresses overly sensitive logic that triggers this code on 2020 Tellurides.
• P0700 — A general transmission control system malfunction code that often accompanies specific circuit codes like P0740 to trigger the Check Engine Light.
• P0742 — Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Circuit Stuck On; shares the same electrical circuit and solenoid (pins 1 and 14) as P0740.
• P0743 — Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Circuit Electrical; directly related to the electrical integrity of the TCC solenoid and wiring harness mentioned in the diagnosis steps.

Frequently Asked Questions