P0741 on 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline: Torque Converter Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2019 Honda RIDGELINE

The 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline, along with other Honda models sharing the 6-speed automatic transmission like the Pilot and Odyssey, is highly susceptible to this specific code due to a documented manufacturing defect. Honda has acknowledged that the lock-up piston inside the torque converter can crack, causing a loss of hydraulic pressure. This prevents the clutch from engaging properly and is the direct cause of the P0741 code in the vast majority of cases on this truck. The issue is so prevalent that Honda issued Technical Service Bulletin A23-078 🎬 Watch: A detailed breakdown of the P0741 code on Honda 6-speeds. and extended the warranty coverage for the torque converter to 8 years or 150,000 miles.

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
• Flashing "D" (Drive) indicator light on the dashboard
• "Transmission System Problem" message on the information display
• Other seemingly unrelated warning lights, such as "Blind Spot Info System Problem," may appear at the same time
• Vehicle shudders or vibrates at highway speeds, sometimes described as a lurching or lunging sensation
• Engine RPMs are higher than usual when cruising on the highway
• Noticeable decrease in fuel economy
• Transmission overheating, especially under load
• Vehicle may stall when put into reverse shortly after a cold start

Most Likely Causes

1. Defective Torque Converter (Cracked Lock-Up Piston) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter This is a known manufacturing defect acknowledged by Honda in TSB A23-078. The bulletin states, 'Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston.'
   How to confirm: A technician will confirm the P0741 code is present. If fluid level/condition and solenoids check out, the diagnosis points to the torque converter itself. The ultimate confirmation is the replacement of the part, as per the TSB. It is critical that the dealer verifies the code is stored in the computer to process the warranty claim.
   Typical fix: Replace the torque converter assembly. Honda provides a kit for this repair. The transmission must be removed from the vehicle to perform this service.
   Est. part cost: $450-$700
2. Low or Degraded Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly While not a design flaw, all automatic transmissions rely on clean fluid at the correct level for proper hydraulic operation. Burnt or low fluid can prevent the TCC solenoid and clutch from operating correctly. The 6-speed transmission in these vehicles is known to be hard on its fluid, and some owners recommend fluid changes more frequently than the maintenance minder suggests (e.g., every 25k-30k miles).
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid dipstick. Honda specifies checking the fluid when hot (at or above 176°F / 80°C). If checked cold, it will read artificially low. The fluid should be at the correct level, red in color, and not have a burnt smell.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission drain and fill (or multiple, often called a 'triple flush') using only genuine Honda ATF DW-1 fluid. This is often attempted before a torque converter replacement, but if the P0741 code is present, it is unlikely to be a permanent fix.
   Est. part cost: $60-$150
3. Faulty Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter While less common than the torque converter failure on this specific model, a solenoid can fail electrically or mechanically on any vehicle. However, given the known defect, replacing the solenoid alone is almost never the correct fix for a P0741 on this Ridgeline.
   How to confirm: A technician can test the solenoid's resistance with a multimeter (should be between 12 and 25 ohms for many Honda models) and check for proper activation using a capable scan tool or by applying 12V and listening for a click.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty TCC solenoid. This is often located on the outside of the transmission case. This is considered a misdiagnosis on this platform if done without first suspecting the torque converter.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing 3rd Clutch Pressure Switch:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle's computer for the P0741 code and any other related transmission codes. Note any other seemingly unrelated codes, like for the Blind Spot Monitoring system.
2. Check for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or warranty extensions. For this vehicle, TSB A23-078 is the most critical document.
3. Contact a Honda dealership with the vehicle's VIN to check its eligibility for the torque converter warranty extension.
4. Check the level and condition of the automatic transmission fluid. Ensure it is at the proper level when hot (176°F / 80°C) and does not appear burnt or contain debris.
5. If the fluid is low or dirty, perform a drain and fill with Honda ATF DW-1 fluid and re-test the vehicle. Note that this is unlikely to solve the problem if P0741 is stored.
6. If not covered by warranty, a technician may perform electrical tests on the TCC solenoid and its circuit to rule it out, but this is an unlikely cause.
7. If fluid and solenoids are good, the diagnosis confirms an internal failure of the torque converter, as described in TSB A23-078.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Torque Converter Kit (OEM #06260-R9R-010 (supersedes 06260-R9R-000)) — This is the primary failure point for the P0741 code on this vehicle, due to a known manufacturing defect with the internal lock-up piston.
  Trusted brands: Honda (Genuine OEM)
  OEM price range: $470-$700
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$400
• Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid DW-1 (OEM #08200-9008) — This specific fluid is required for any service involving the transmission, including a drain-and-fill or a torque converter replacement. TSB 23-078 calls for 6 quarts for the service.
  Trusted brands: Honda (Genuine OEM)
  OEM price range: $10-$15 per quart

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• A23-078: Warranty Extension: 2017–19 Multi-Model 6AT Torque Converter - DTC P0741 Stored. This TSB acknowledges the defect, describes the cause as a cracked lock-up piston, lists affected vehicles (Ridgeline and Pilot), and extends the warranty coverage for the repair to 8 years or 150,000 miles.
• A23-077: Warranty Extension: 2017 Odyssey 6AT Torque Converter–DTC P0741. This is a parallel TSB for the Honda Odyssey with the same issue, confirming the problem spans multiple platforms using the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Honda TSB A23-078 Warranty Extension: Honda has issued Technical Service Bulletin A23-078, which includes a warranty extension for the torque converter on affected 2017-2019 Ridgeline and 2017-2018 Pilot models with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The warranty was extended to 8 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first. The bulletin explicitly states the cause is a crack in the lock-up piston leading to a loss of hydraulic pressure and setting code P0741.
• Real-World Repair Experience: An owner of a 2017 Ridgeline reported experiencing hesitation and high RPMs in 5th gear. A dealer technician suspected the torque converter but could not perform the warranty work because a P0741 code was not actively stored in the computer at that moment. This highlights the importance of bringing the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis while the check engine light is on or immediately after it has appeared.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 12 - 25 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside of this range (e.g., 0 Ohms or infinite resistance) indicates a failed solenoid.
• Live Data - TCC Slip RPM — expected: Near 0 RPM when TCC is commanded ON at cruising speed.. Failure: A consistent slip of more than 50-100 RPM when the TCC should be locked indicates a mechanical or hydraulic failure within the torque converter.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or equivalent bidirectional scanner: TCC Solenoid ON/OFF Test — This active test is used to command the TCC solenoid on and off manually while monitoring live data like TCC Slip RPM. If the solenoid is commanded ON and slip RPM remains high, it confirms the problem is mechanical (torque converter) and not electrical (solenoid/wiring). If the solenoid doesn't 'click' or the circuit state doesn't change, it points to an electrical fault.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G101 — Typically located on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the transmission housing.. This is a primary ground point for the powertrain control module and transmission components. A loose or corroded G101 ground can cause erratic voltage, leading to incorrect sensor readings and potentially triggering false transmission codes, including P0741, by affecting the TCC solenoid's operation.
• TCC Solenoid Connector — On the exterior of the transmission case, connected to the TCC solenoid.. This connector is the point for electrical testing. It typically has two pins: one for 12V power (from a fuse) and one for the ground-side control wire from the PCM. Checking for 12V with the key on and for continuity on the control wire back to the PCM can rule out a wiring issue.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Ridgelineownersclub.com forum user (2017 Honda Ridgeline) — Judder between 20-40 mph and P0741 code stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) A 'triple flush' of the transmission fluid was performed by the dealership.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The P0741 code returned after the fluid flush. The dealership then replaced the torque converter under the extended warranty (TSB 23-078), which permanently resolved the issue.
• Reddit user r/hondaridgeline (2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition) — Hesitation in 1st gear, high RPMs in 5th gear, and stalling when put into reverse on a cold start.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Dealer updated the transmission software in the hope that a P0741 code would eventually set.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The final resolution was not posted in the thread, but the user's experience highlights a critical point: Honda may not perform the warranty repair for the torque converter unless the specific P0741 DTC is stored and can be verified by the dealer, even if other symptoms of failure are present.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 06260-R9R-000 → 06260-R9R-010 — Updated part for the TSB A23-078 repair.
• 28600-R94-004 (Example 3rd Clutch Pressure Switch) → 28600-R97-003 (Example) — Part design was updated to improve reliability and prevent premature failure causing harsh shifts.
  Heads up: While not a direct cause of P0741, failing pressure switches are a known issue on these transmissions. Using the latest superseded part number is critical when replacing them to prevent recurring shift quality problems that can confuse diagnosis.