P0742: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Carefully - a converter locked at the wrong time can stall the car at stops.
Symptoms
- Engine stalls when stopping
- Shudder at low speed
- Engine lugging at stops as if in gear with a manual clutch engaged
Likely causes, most common first
- TCC solenoid stuck on
- Valve body sticking
- Debris in the hydraulic circuit
Read P0742 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0742 means the torque converter clutch circuit is stuck on - mechanically coupling the engine to the wheels even when stopping, exactly like forgetting the clutch pedal in a manual. Stalls at stops are the giveaway symptom.
Sticky solenoids and contaminated fluid dominate the cause list. Because the stall risk includes intersections, this earns prompt attention despite living in the transmission's gray zone.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0742
“I was looking up info on my car found there was recalls on my specific problem. The transmission shifts very hard with poor engine performance. It idles high and at times it sputters taking off from a stop. I am afraid one of these times it will stall and will end up in an accident. We had it hooked up for a diagnostic it came up trouble code p0742. This is our main transportation and the car used to transport our son. I would really like to get this fixed before it becomes a major issue or a problem resulting in a new car or accident. *tr”2003 Buick Rendezvous · May 2013 · 147,500 mi
“2003 buick century has 90,000 miles. Transmission shifts hard on acceleration/deceleration. Obd ii reports dtc of p0742 - torque converter circuit stuck on. Transmission repair shop, and internet search indicate common problem with these type of gm transmissions. Estimate to fix $1900 to $2400. If this is a manufacturing defect, shouldn't gm resolve at no or nominal cost to owner of car? *nm”2003 Buick Century · Sep 2005 · 88,650 mi
Cars that report P0742 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0742?
Carefully - a converter locked at the wrong time can stall the car at stops.
How much does it cost to fix P0742?
Typical US repair costs range from $150 for the simplest fix (tcc solenoid) to $1,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.