P0740 on Toyota vehicles
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Fault — what it means on a Toyota, whether it's safe to drive, and the fixes by model and year.
P0740 on a Toyota means torque converter clutch circuit fault. Most vehicles stay drivable short-term, but diagnose it promptly. The most common cause is failed tcc solenoid (typically $300–$900). Pick your Toyota model below for its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
What does P0740 mean on a Toyota?
P0740 is the general torque converter clutch (TCC) circuit code. Depending on the manufacturer it is set for an electrical fault in the TCC solenoid circuit — an open or a short — or for the clutch simply never engaging when the transmission controller commands it. The torque converter clutch is what mechanically locks the engine to the transmission at cruise, removing the slip that a fluid coupling always has. When it does not work, the engine turns faster than it should for a given road speed, fuel economy drops, and the transmission runs hotter than it was designed to.
P0740 is a standardized OBD-II code, so its definition is the same on every Toyota. What differs by model and engine is which cause is most likely — pick your Toyota model below for a diagnosis tuned to its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Is it safe to drive a Toyota with P0740?
In most cases a Toyota stays drivable for short trips with P0740 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.
What causes P0740 on a Toyota?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Failed TCC solenoid | Most common | $300–$900 |
| Damaged wiring or fluid-contaminated external transmission connector | Common | $100–$500 |
| Low transmission fluid level or contaminated fluid | Common | $100–$400 |
| Stuck TCC control valve in the valve body | Common | $400–$1,500 |
| Worn or burned torque converter clutch friction material — Requires torque converter replacement — a major job. | Occasional | $1,800–$4,500 |
| Failed TCM or PCM driver for the TCC circuit | Rare | $500–$1,500 |
| Internal transmission damage allowing fluid bypass | Rare | $2,500–$6,500 |
Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by Toyota model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.
P0740 by Toyota model
Select your Toyota model and year for a P0740 diagnosis tuned to that vehicle's failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Toyota RAV4
691 NHTSA owner complaints · 9 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Camry
842 NHTSA owner complaints · 6 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Corolla
721 NHTSA owner complaints · 8 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Tacoma
583 NHTSA owner complaints · 15 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota 4Runner
170 NHTSA owner complaints · 16 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Highlander
650 NHTSA owner complaints · 11 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Sienna
393 NHTSA owner complaints · 22 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Complaint and recall counts are NHTSA totals for the model years covered on this site, not counts specific to P0740.
P0740 on other makes
Other codes on Toyota vehicles
P0740 on a Toyota: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0740 mean on a Toyota?
P0740 is the general torque converter clutch (TCC) circuit code. Depending on the manufacturer it is set for an electrical fault in the TCC solenoid circuit — an open or a short — or for the clutch simply never engaging when the transmission controller commands it. The torque converter clutch is what mechanically locks the engine to the transmission at cruise, removing the slip that a fluid coupling always has. When it does not work, the engine turns faster than it should for a given road speed, fuel economy drops, and the transmission runs hotter than it was designed to. P0740 is a standardized OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on every Toyota — which cause is most likely varies by model and engine.
What are the symptoms of P0740 on a Toyota?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Engine RPM at highway cruise is higher than normal for the same speed. Noticeable fuel economy drop, worst on the highway. No sensation of the transmission "shifting" into lockup at cruise. Transmission fluid running hot, especially when towing. Often paired with P0700 from the transmission controller
What causes P0740 on a Toyota?
Failed TCC solenoid (most-common). Damaged wiring or fluid-contaminated external transmission connector (common). Low transmission fluid level or contaminated fluid (common). Stuck TCC control valve in the valve body (common). Worn or burned torque converter clutch friction material (occasional). Failed TCM or PCM driver for the TCC circuit (rare). Internal transmission damage allowing fluid bypass (rare)
Is it safe to drive a Toyota with P0740?
In most cases a Toyota stays drivable for short trips with P0740 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.