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P2761 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit/Open (OBD2)

P2761 means "Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit/Open". The control unit sees an open circuit: the electrical connection to the torque converter clutch is interrupted, so no current can flow when the component is commanded or read.

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P2761 quick summary

Fault codeP2761
MeaningTorque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit/Open
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Usually yes, but if the converter stays locked (stuck on) the engine can stall when stopping – drive carefully and get it checked.
Repair cost€50 – €2,500

How the torque converter clutch works

The torque converter clutch (lock-up clutch) locks the torque converter at cruising speed to eliminate slip and save fuel; these codes cover its solenoid and performance.

A torque converter transmits power through fluid, which always involves some slip. To reduce it, a lock-up clutch inside the converter is engaged at steady speeds. A solenoid in the valve body controls it, and the control unit checks the slip between engine speed and turbine speed.

Codes P0740–P0744 report circuit faults, a clutch that does not lock (performance or stuck off), one that stays locked (stuck on, which can stall the engine when stopping) and intermittent faults.

Symptoms include higher fuel consumption, higher engine speed at cruise, shudder when the clutch engages and stalling when coming to a stop.

Symptoms of P2761

  • Higher engine speed and fuel consumption at cruise
  • Shudder at around 60–80 km/h
  • Engine stalls when coming to a stop (stuck on)
  • Gearbox overheating
  • Check Engine or gearbox warning

Most common causes of P2761 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

Converter shudder is often fixed by fresh fluid of the exact specification – some gearboxes are very sensitive to friction modifiers in the oil. Try a fluid service before replacing the converter.

  1. 1.Unplugged, loose or corroded connector

    Most likely

    Often after previous repair work in the area.

  2. 2.Broken wire in the harness

    Typical at bends, near the engine mounts and where the harness rubs on brackets.

  3. 3.Burnt-out winding or internal break in the torque converter clutch

  4. 4.Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid

  5. 5.Degraded or low gearbox fluid

  6. 6.Sticking valve in the valve body

  7. 7.Worn lock-up clutch in the torque converter

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and slip data

    Read the transmission codes and watch commanded lock-up and converter slip in live data at steady speed.

  2. 2

    Measure resistance and continuity

    Unplug the torque converter clutch and measure its resistance across the terminals. An infinite (OL) reading confirms an internal break. If the component is fine, check each wire back to the control unit for continuity.

    Multimeter: Solenoids and heaters typically read a few ohms to a few dozen ohms; "OL" means open. Wire continuity: below about 1 Ω.

  3. 3

    Check fluid

    Check fluid level and condition.

  4. 4

    Test the solenoid

    Measure the solenoid resistance and command it with the scan tool.

    Multimeter: Many TCC solenoids read about 10–20 Ω (on/off type) or 3–6 Ω (PWM type) – check the specification.

  5. 5

    Check for shudder

    Drive at a steady speed and gently accelerate; shudder points to the clutch or fluid.

  6. 6

    Repair and adapt

    Replace the solenoid or fluid; if the converter clutch is worn, replace the torque converter, then run adaptations.

How do I read fault codes? →Where the OBD2 port is, which scanner to use and how to read and clear codes step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P2761?

Usually yes, but if the converter stays locked (stuck on) the engine can stall when stopping – drive carefully and get it checked.

How much does it cost to fix P2761?

Typical repair costs are 50 € – 2500 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: unplugged, loose or corroded connector; broken wire in the harness; burnt-out winding or internal break in the torque converter clutch. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

What does torque converter lock-up do?

It mechanically connects the engine to the gearbox at cruise, eliminating slip and saving fuel.

Why does my car stall when stopping?

If the lock-up clutch stays engaged, the engine is still connected to the wheels when the car stops.

What is the difference between P2761 and similar codes?

P2761 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P2758 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Stuck On; P2759 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Electrical; P2760 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Intermittent; P2762 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Range/Performance; P2763 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit High; P2764 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Low. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.