P0741 on 2016-2018 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 (6AT): Torque Converter Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2018 Honda Pilot

Unlike many vehicles where P0741 could be caused by old fluid or a simple solenoid, on the 2016-2018 Pilot with the 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT), this code is overwhelmingly linked to a specific manufacturing defect. The lock-up piston inside the torque converter is prone to cracking, which allows hydraulic pressure to bleed off, preventing it from holding the clutch engaged. Honda acknowledged this widespread issue by issuing Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) A23-078 and extending the warranty for the torque converter on affected 2017-2018 models. The 2016 model year, while experiencing the same mechanical failure, is notably excluded from this warranty extension program.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Flashing 'D' (Drive) indicator light
• 'Transmission System Problem' message on the instrument cluster
• Engine RPM is higher than usual at highway speeds (fails to drop when cruising)
• Noticeable shudder or vibration during light acceleration or at cruising speeds
• Reduced fuel economy
• Transmission may feel like it's slipping or hesitating to shift
• Transmission overheating messages may appear

Most Likely Causes

1. Defective Torque Converter (Cracked Lock-Up Piston) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter A known manufacturing defect acknowledged by Honda in TSB A23-078 causes the lock-up piston to crack, leading to a loss of hydraulic pressure required for clutch engagement. This issue is common across several Honda/Acura models using the 6AT from this era. Manufacturer Bulletin #ABOM08312023901 confirms that reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the MIL illuminating and setting DTC P0741.
   How to confirm: A professional diagnosis confirming DTC P0741 is the primary step. A Honda dealer must check the VIN for eligibility under the warranty extension for 2017-2018 models. For a 2016 model, the diagnosis is the same, but the repair will be out-of-pocket.
   Typical fix: Complete replacement of the torque converter assembly with an updated part. The transmission must be removed 🎬 Watch: A detailed breakdown of the P0741 code and repair. to perform this repair.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low or Degraded Transmission Fluid: → Shop Transmission Assembly While this is a common cause for P0741 on many vehicles, it is highly unlikely to be the root cause for this specific Honda Pilot. However, checking the fluid level and condition is a basic first step in any transmission diagnosis. The TSB notes that an overfilled fluid level can also cause overheating issues.
• Failed Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid: → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter A faulty solenoid can cause this code, but it is much less common than the torque converter failure on this platform. Diagnosis would involve testing the solenoid's electrical circuit and mechanical function, but this is often an unnecessary step given the known defect.
• Internal Transmission Hydraulic Blockage: → Shop Transmission Assembly Clogged passages within the transmission's valve body can prevent proper fluid flow to the TCC, but this is rare compared to the known torque converter defect.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code P0741 is present using an OBD-II scanner.
2. CRITICAL STEP: If the 'Transmission System Problem' light appears, drive directly to a Honda dealership without turning the engine off if possible. The P0741 code can be intermittent and may clear itself after several key cycles, making a warranty claim difficult to prove. As noted in Bulletin #AEBM04182025901, a "Transmission Overheat" message may also appear alongside the flashing "D" indicator when this code is set.
3. If the vehicle is a 2017-2018 model, contact a Honda dealership immediately. Provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and inquire about coverage under the warranty extension from TSB A23-078. Note that some revisions of this TSB extend the warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles.
4. If the vehicle is a 2016 model, be aware that it is not covered by the warranty extension, and the repair will be an out-of-pocket expense.
5. Check the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level and condition. Honda specifies checking the fluid when the engine is hot and running (fluid temp at or above 176°F / 80°C). Fluid that is overfilled or burnt can indicate other issues but is not the root cause of P0741 on this platform.
6. A technician will use a professional scan tool to monitor the TCC slip RPM while driving to confirm the clutch is not locking as commanded, which is the definitive diagnostic test.
7. Based on the overwhelming evidence for this platform, if code P0741 is present and the fluid level is correct, the diagnosis will be a failed torque converter.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Kit (OEM #06260-R9R-010 (supersedes 06260-R9R-000)) — This is the component that fails due to a manufacturing defect (cracked piston), causing the P0741 code. The kit contains the updated converter.
  Trusted brands: Honda (OEM)
  OEM price range: $450-$700
  Aftermarket price range: $300-$600
• Honda Genuine ATF DW-1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #08200-9008 (per quart)) — The transmission fluid must be drained and refilled when replacing the torque converter. TSB 23-078 specifies a quantity of 6 quarts for this job.
  Trusted brands: Honda (OEM)
  OEM price range: $8-$15 per quart

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• A23-078: Warranty Extension: 2017–19 Multi-Model 6AT Torque Converter - DTC P0741 Stored. This TSB confirms the defect, describes the cause as a 'crack in the lock-up piston', and extends the warranty for the repair on 2017-18 Pilot and 2017-19 Ridgeline models.
• Bulletin #A23-078 (dated 2023-10-06): Specifically notes that the torque converter fails to provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston.
• Bulletin #A23-078 (dated 2025-05-21): Clarifies that reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” when DTC P0741 is set.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A manufacturing defect causes the torque converter lock-up piston to crack, preventing it from holding hydraulic pressure. This is the primary cause of P0741 on 6AT models.
• Honda issued TSB A23-078, extending the warranty on the torque converter for affected 2017-2018 Pilot models with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Later revisions extended this to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
• The 2016 Pilot model with the 6AT is known to suffer from the exact same torque converter failure but is explicitly excluded from the warranty extension provided by TSB A23-078.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 12 - 25 Ohms. Failure: A reading of 0 ohms (short circuit) or infinite/OL (open circuit) indicates a failed solenoid coil.
• TCC Solenoid Connector Voltage — expected: 12 Volts (Battery Voltage) when commanded ON. Failure: No voltage when commanded ON by the PCM or scan tool points to a problem in the wiring harness 🎬 Watch: How to test and fix torque converter solenoid circuits. or the PCM driver circuit.
• TCC Solenoid Activation Test — expected: Audible 'click' from the solenoid. Failure: No clicking sound when 12V is applied directly to the solenoid terminals indicates the internal plunger is mechanically stuck or seized.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda HDS (or equivalent professional scanner): TCC Control Solenoid Test (located in Transmission Output Controls) — This bidirectional command manually energizes the TCC solenoid circuit. A technician uses this to listen for a 'click' from the solenoid, which helps confirm the integrity of the wiring and the solenoid's mechanical function before condemning the torque converter.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G1 — Main ground from battery to the transmission housing.. A poor ground at G1 can cause a host of transmission electrical issues, including erratic solenoid operation. While not a common cause for P0741 on this platform, verifying this main ground is clean and tight is a fundamental step in any electrical diagnosis.
• TCC Solenoid Connector — On the exterior of the transmission case, typically under the thermostat housing area.. This is the connector where a technician would perform resistance and voltage tests to rule out a simple solenoid or wiring failure before recommending transmission removal.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/Honda (2019 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T (uses a similar torque converter)) — Transmission and blind spot monitor warning lights, P0741 code stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user planned to change the transmission fluid first.
  ✅ What actually fixed it An Acura technician in the thread advised that for the same code on 2019-2020 RDXs (which use the same torque converter), the official procedure is to replace the torque converter, ATF warmer, and ATF filter. Another tech mentioned that for this code, the simple diagnostic path is to clear it, and if it returns, replace the transmission (implying the torque converter).

OEM Part Supersession History

• 06260-R9R-000 → 06260-R9R-010 — The original torque converter was prone to a manufacturing defect where the lock-up piston would crack. The superseding part is the updated version designed to correct this flaw.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2016: The 2016 Pilot is not included in the P0741 torque converter warranty extension (TSB A23-078). However, the 2016 model was subject to a different warranty extension (TSB 20-100) for software updates and potential fuel injector replacement related to codes P0420/P0430, P030x, and P219A/B, indicating Honda was addressing other powertrain issues on this specific model year.
• 2017-2018: Touring and Elite trims used a 9-speed automatic transmission with a completely different body wiring harness (P/N 32107-TG7-A61) than the 6-speed transmission found in LX, EX, and EX-L trims. While the P0741 issue is specific to the 6AT, this highlights significant component differences across the trim levels.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• U040168 — Network communication code reported by owners as appearing concurrently with P0741 when the 'Transmission System Problem' warning illuminates on the dash.
• U0401 — Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM. Often triggered as a companion code alongside P0741 during torque converter failure events on the Pilot.
• P0218 — Transmission Over Temperature. Related to the 'Transmission overheating messages' symptom caused by the slipping torque converter failing to lock up.
• P0894 — Transmission Component Slipping. Directly related to the symptom where the transmission feels like it is slipping or hesitating to shift due to the cracked lock-up piston.
• P0740 — Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction. A closely related code that can trigger due to the same cracked lock-up piston and loss of hydraulic pressure described in TSB A23-078.

Frequently Asked Questions