Torque Converter Fault
 

Hey anybody ever had this fault code P0741? I have an 03 4.6is with about 74K miles. It is the torque converter, (specifically says clutch soenoid circuit performance or stuck off) This trouble code keeps coming up. I have been talking with some experienced people (on this forum)about this but wondering if anyone in the forums have had the same issue. I am not experiencing any noises or other symptoms, just the service engine light comes on occaisonally. I spoke with a local BMW service advisor, he said replacement of the TC is about $3K with parts and labor. He suggested changing tranny fluid and filter and then see if the trouble codes stop. I am not sure what course I should take. My 4.6 has Dinan Stage II perfomance chip, Dinan CAI, and MAF Just wondering if anyone on the forums have had similar experience with this. Thanks in advance.

anyone, any ideas???
 

Bumpig my own thread here hoping someone might have had some experience with this same issue. Anyone????

The TC warning is the first symptom...if left undiagnosed, next will be a metal on metal grinding sound. This will definitely have a negative impact on your trany if not replaced or addressed.

I experienced this with two different 4.6iS' at around similar mileage. The TC failure is a common issue on the 4.6iS. I went with a new OEM TC instead of having it rebuilt.

Thanks Chili, did you experience any symptoms when either of your 4.6's were displaying the TC fault? Was there any shifting issues, unusual noises, etc. I am not experiencing any thing unusual. The BMW service advisor reccomended the fluid change first. I am just curious if that might be the first thing to try. Ideas???

I had torque converter slip fault in my 4.6 as well, but tranny noise started first then engine light went off. Around the same mileage as you and chilliwilli. I ended up with a rebuild.

I guess you could try a tranny flush, but it is not like changing your oil. Without removing the TC it will still have old fluid in it. You can search for tranny fluid changes and you will get a better understanding why this is and how to best flush.

You may also have them drain some fluid and inspect for metal shavings. If metal is there then the damage is done and the fluid change won't help.

GL

With my previous X5, it began with the rough downshifts...some time after the fault code, i began hearing a grinding/whine sound (similar to supercharger). Driveability-wise, it was a bit sluggish. I wasn't prompt in addressing the issue and soon discovered that metal particles from the TC made it's way into trany. By this time, i was advised to overhaul the TC and trany. Had i addressed the issue at first symptom, only the TC would would've required repair.

With my current X5...i became much more observant and address issues immediately or preventatively. As soon i discovered the fault code, i promptly addressed the issue, having the trany rebuilt by a tech and decided to purchase a new OEM TC.

I suggest you get a thorough diagnosis of both trany and TC.

It is always cheaper to fix things before failure. Right now you have a failing torque converter, but you don't yet have a failing transmission. If you keep driving it you have a chance of contaminating and thus taking out the transmission.

You can pay now, or you can pay later. Since the torque converter failure on a 4.6 is a known issue, it shouldn't be hard to decide to fix it.

I think it would be a waste of time changing the fluid, since you don't likely have a fluid problem. Even if you change it, you are likely to require a torque converter soon after.

Thanks for the input. I have priced the TC and labor, seems it is about 3K for all. Is this what you all looked at. I have heard about rebuilt TCs. Anyone with experience on this?

I suffered a TC failure last December at 43k miles. A component failed inside the TC and the debris caused the oil pump to fail. The consequential damage was horrendous and resulted in a trashed box and mechatronics unit. The only warning was that the car suddenly stopped changing gears properly in the 1st to 3rd range I lost acceleration. The fault codes were read by the dealer and only reported 'Clutch Packs B & D Failure'. The Transmission fail warning message only came on once and then reset, but that was some time after whatever had broken actually broke!! No other errors were reported.

In my case, a full rebuild with 12 month warranty cost £2200 GBP plus another £1200 for the mechatronics module. A new TC was about £240. Other parts required were 'Master Overhaul' kit (£240), Oil pump (£153), Filter assembly (£30) - all OEM from ZF. Oils and gaskets etc. Most of the bill was labour - 18 hours work. Warranty Direct paid the lot less my £50 deductable.

The company I went with only uses OEM parts because of the 'high' number of failures they are now seeing with this type of box (ZF-6sp) and not just with BMW, but the other car manufacturers who use the same base transmission unit.

If your TC is playing up, I would get it fixed pronto!!

I have just had my torque convertor refurbished as lost all drive.

Linings delaminated from the convertor.

Company local to me (Near Bristol UK) charged £200 (approx $300) for total refurb of the unit.
I took the gearbox out and overhauled it (see my post http://www.xoutpost.com/regional-for...s-gearbox.html)

So labour costs were not there.

The company is linked in the above post but not sure ref import etc....