P0740 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
11 Honda models · 15 documented issues · 12 critical · $80-$5,000 repair
P0740 on Honda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Judder from torque converter lock-up clutch felt while driving between 20-60 mph. Honda determined the judder was caused by deteriorated transmission fluid exposed to intermittent high heat loads under specific driving conditions. Most noticeable during light acceleration when torque converter attempts to lock up.
Common Symptoms
- Vibration/shudder between 20-60 mph during light acceleration
- Sensation of driving over rumble strips
- Shudder most noticeable at 40-50 mph cruise
- May feel like engine misfire but transmission-related
- Worse when transmission is warm
How to Fix
Honda TSB 17-043 recommends complete transmission fluid change (drain-and-fill) followed by transmission control module software update to maintain fluid temperature within optimal range. In rare cases where torque converter is actually damaged, replacement required.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda ATF DW-1, one quartOEMHonda 08200-9008
Confirm the exact transmission and procedure; not fo
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipTry fluid change + software update before replacing torque converter - most cases don't need converter replacement
- TipChange transmission fluid every 30,000-40,000 miles to prevent recurrence
- WarningDon't let dealer talk you into $2,300 torque converter replacement without trying TSB fluid change first
Sources for this issue (1)
Early Honda Accord CVT transmissions suffer from widespread start clutch juddering caused by a manufacturing defect. The issue causes shaking or juddering during acceleration, especially from a stop. Honda acknowledged the problem and extended the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years for affected VINs.
Common Symptoms
- Shaking or juddering during acceleration from a stop
- Vibration felt through the steering wheel and floor
- Hesitation during gear transitions
- Rough or jerky shifts at low speeds
How to Fix
Start clutch replacement (covered under extended warranty for affected VINs). CVT fluid service with Honda HCF-2 fluid. Software update from dealership. Complete CVT transmission replacement in severe cases.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Honda 06270-5C4-315 lower CVT valve-body kitOEMHonda 06270-5C4-315
Install the updated lower valve body required by Honda bulletin 13-053 Fitment/availability: 2013 Accord L4 CVT all VINs and only the specified 2014 L4 CVT VIN ranges in bulletin 13-053. VIN validation and the accompanying PGM-FI softwar…
- Honda 08200-HCF2 HCF-2 CVT fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-HCF2
Refill the second-generation CVT during the diagnosed valve-body repair or specified fluid service Fitment/availability: 2013-2015 Accord L4 CVT only after confirming the HCF-2 fill-plug label and VIN.
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Sources for this issue (1)
The Honda 4-speed automatic in the mid-to-late 1990s Accord is prone to slipping and outright failure, typically around/after 100,000 miles. As the internal clutch material wears, debris circulates in the fluid and clogs the shift solenoids, causing harsh or delayed shifts, flaring, and eventual loss of drive. The J30 V6 automatic (introduced in the US in 1995) is especially notorious, and the failure mode carried into the 1998-2002 V6 cars, which became one of Honda's most infamous transmissions of the era. Owners who never serviced the fluid (Honda ATF, every ~30k) fare worst.
Common Symptoms
- Slipping / RPM flare between gears
- Harsh or delayed shifts, thud on engagement
- No drive in a particular gear (e.g. no 4th)
- Loss of power / acceleration
- Burnt-smelling or dark transmission fluid
How to Fix
Early on, a fluid-and-filter service with genuine Honda ATF and solenoid inspection/cleaning can slow the decline. Once slipping is established, the accepted repair is a full rebuild (new clutch packs, solenoids, torque converter, and cooler flush) or a remanufactured/used transmission. Always flush the cooler and lines to prevent re-contaminating a fresh unit.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Honda ATF DW-1 automatic-transmission fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-9008 ATF DW-1
Perform the specified drain-and-fill service after confirming the transmission and fluid condition Fitment/availability: 1995-1999 Accord four-speed automatic applications originally specifying Honda ATF-Z1, where current Honda service i…
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Sources for this issue (1)
Numerous powertrain complaints describe automatic transmission failure with little warning, including hard shifting, slipping, delayed engagement, loss of acceleration, and torque converter circuit faults. Several owners reported failures at relatively modest mileage, making this one of the clearest expensive mechanical patterns in early 2000 Civics.
Common Symptoms
- Hard shifting
- Transmission slipping
- Delayed gear engagement
- No acceleration when pressing the gas
- Gear shifter difficult to move into or out of Park
How to Fix
Diagnosis should start with fluid condition, shift quality testing, and scanning for transmission codes, especially torque converter and shift control faults. Minor cases may improve with fluid service and solenoid inspection, but many complaints point to internal transmission wear requiring rebuild or replacement. Typical costs range from $250 for fluid/solenoid work to $3,500 for a quality remanufactured transmission installed.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda ATF DW-1 automatic transmission fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-9008 ATF DW-1
Follow service-manual level and quantity procedure, and do not promise fluid will cure established slipping or loss of en
- Genuine Honda 28200-P4R-003 Keihin shift-solenoid assemblyOEMHonda 28200-P4R-003
Confirm VIN, original transmission code, connector and that electrical/hydraulic tests identify this assembly; it is not
- B4RA 1.6L FWD remanufactured 4-speed automatic transmissionOEMPowertrain Products 12238T / B4RA
Complete assembly option after a transmission specialist confirms internal failure and identifies a B4RA unit Fitment/availability: Seller lists 1996-2000 Civic 1.6L FWD B4RA. Verify VIN, original code/casting, final drive, included conv…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipAvoid repeated hard driving if the transmission begins slipping or flaring between gears; continued use often turns a repairable issue into a full rebuild.
The 2001-2005 (7th generation) Civic automatic transmission is widely documented as failing prematurely, often before 90,000 miles. Owners report harsh/abrupt shifting, the engine revving without the car moving, slipping, or no engagement in drive — typically from torque-converter failure, overheating ATF, and worn clutch packs. NHTSA complaints and HondaProblems data place 2001 as the worst year; more than half of reported failures occur under 90k miles, with about 1 in 5 before 70k. This generation falls in a gap in our current coverage (we span 1992-2000 then jump to 2006+).
Common Symptoms
- engine revs but car won't move
- slipping between gears
- harsh or abrupt shifting
- no engagement in Drive or Reverse
- transmission overheating
- delayed engagement
How to Fix
Maintain transmission fluid with genuine Honda ATF-Z1/DW-1 on a shortened interval and add an auxiliary ATF cooler to reduce overheating. Once failed, repair generally requires a rebuilt or used transmission/torque converter; owners report average costs around $2,300 (parts + 6-9 hours labor). Some early failures were covered under a goodwill/extended powertrain warranty.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda ATF DW-1 automatic transmission fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-9008 ATF DW-1
Correct current Honda fluid for a conventional-automatic drain-and-fill or refill after repair Fitment/availability: 2001-2005 Civic conventional 4-speed automatic only; do not use for HX CVT, Hybrid CVT or manual transmission. Follow th…
- BMXA 1.7L FWD remanufactured 4-speed automatic transmissionOEMPowertrain Products 12252T / BMXA
Complete remanufactured assembly option after a transmission specialist confirms the original unit is failed and identifies a BMXA application Fitment/availability: Seller lists 2001-2005 Honda Civic 1.7L FWD BMXA 4-speed automatic. Veri…
- BMXA/SLXA automatic-transmission master overhaul kitOEMOPT-BMXA-RB
Internal overhaul parts path for a transmission rebuilder after teardown establishes rebuildability and code Fitment/availability: 2001-2005 Civic BMXA/SLXA conventional automatic branch only. Professional teardown, hard-part inspection …
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Sources for this issue (2)
The 4-speed automatics on 1990s D16 Civics develop slipping and harsh or stuck shifting. Frequent causes are a failing shift-control solenoid and, distinctively, the distributor O-ring leaking oil onto the transmission solenoid connectors. Torque-converter breakdown that burns the fluid is the more severe failure mode and worsened into the following (2001+) generation.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission slips or engine revs without moving
- Harsh or delayed shifts, stuck in gear
- Burnt-smelling ATF
- Oil on the transmission solenoid connectors
- Shudder under light acceleration
How to Fix
Diagnose first: replace/clean shift-control solenoids and repair the leaking distributor O-ring so oil stops fouling the connectors; service fluid with genuine Honda ATF. Burnt fluid or converter failure requires transmission rebuild or replacement (a good used/JDM D16 automatic is a common budget path).
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda ATF DW-1 automatic transmission fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-9008 ATF DW-1
Use the service-manual drain-and-fill procedure and do not claim fresh fluid repairs worn internal components.
- Genuine Honda 28200-P4R-003 Keihin shift-solenoid assemblyOEMHonda 28200-P4R-003
Confirm VIN, transmission code, connector and diagnostic result; not for HX CVT/manual and not a substitute for a failed torque conver
- Genuine Honda 30110-PA1-732 TEC distributor O-ringOEMHonda 30110-PA1-732
Stop a confirmed distributor-base oil leak before it recontaminates repaired transmission wiring Fitment/availability: TEC distributor branch only; seller notes TEC/HX. Verify VIN and distributor manufacturer because Hitachi uses a diffe…
- B4RA 1.6L FWD remanufactured 4-speed automatic transmissionOEMPowertrain Products 12238T / B4RA
Verify VIN, cast/code, final drive, included converter, cooler requirement and core terms; not for HX CVT/manual or any alternate transmission c
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0740 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0740 mean on a Honda?
P0740 stands for "Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction." This code indicates a malfunction in the torque converter clutch (TCC) circuit of an automatic transmission. The torque converter clutch mechanically locks the engine to the transmission at cruising speed to improve fuel economy and reduce slippage, and it is engaged by a solenoid controlled by the transmission computer. The code sets when the computer detects an electrical problem with the clutch circuit or sees that the clutch is not engaging or holding as expected. Common signs include slipping, shuddering, poor fuel economy, or stalling when coming to a stop. On Honda it is documented across 11 models: Odyssey, Accord, Civic, Fit, Prelude, Passport, Insight, HR-V, Crosstour, CR-V, Pilot.
What are the most common causes of P0740?
The most common causes of P0740 are: Faulty torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid, Low or contaminated transmission fluid, Wiring or connector fault in the TCC circuit, Worn or failing torque converter, Valve body wear or sticking valves, Internal transmission electrical short, Faulty transmission control module. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0740 on a Honda?
Published repair estimates on Honda range from $80 to $5,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0740 on a different make?
View P0740 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.