P0740 on 2013-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan: TCC & Torque Converter Guide

What's Unique About the 2013-2020 Dodge GRAND CARAVAN

The 2013-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan uses the 62TE automatic transmission, which has a well-documented history of torque converter issues. While the P0740 code is technically an electrical circuit code, on this specific platform, it is very frequently triggered by a mechanical failure of the torque converter itself. A manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #9004009) directly states that if the TCC solenoid is functioning, code P0740 is indicative of a torque converter failure, making this a known pattern failure rather than a simple electrical fault. Experienced technicians report that the vast majority of P0740 repairs they've performed on this transmission required a new torque converter, not just a solenoid.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Vehicle shudders or vibrates, especially when trying to maintain speed between 40-60 mph. This is sometimes described as a 'rumble strip' feeling.
• Transmission slipping or jerking between gears.
• RPMs fluctuate or remain high at steady highway speeds.
• Poor fuel economy.
• Vehicle may stall when coming to a stop.
• Whining or grinding noise from the transmission area, particularly the bell housing where the torque converter is located.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Torque Converter 🔴 High Probability As noted in TSB #9004009, the torque converters in the 62TE transmission are a known failure point. The internal lock-up clutch wears out, causing excessive metallic debris in the pan and preventing proper operation.
   How to confirm: A mechanic can use a scan tool to monitor the commanded TCC lock-up versus the actual torque converter slip RPM. If slip is high (e.g., over 100 RPM) when lock-up is commanded, and the solenoid circuit is confirmed to be working, the converter is faulty. Dropping the transmission pan and finding significant clutch material or metal shavings on the magnet is another strong indicator.
   Typical fix: Replace the torque converter. 🎬 See this walkthrough of a successful torque converter repair. This requires removing the transmission from the vehicle. It is highly recommended to also flush the transmission cooler lines and replace the front pump seal at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $200-$500
2. Faulty Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid 🟡 Medium Probability The TCC solenoid (also called a Variable Force Solenoid or VFS) can fail electrically or become clogged with debris from a failing converter. However, it is most often replaced incorrectly when the converter is the real issue.
   How to confirm: Test the solenoid's resistance with a multimeter at the transmission connector. The TCC solenoid should have a resistance of around 5.0-5.2 ohms at room temperature. A mechanic can also command the solenoid with a scan tool to verify its operation. The solenoid is located inside the transmission's side pan, attached to the valve body.
   Typical fix: Replace the TCC solenoid, which is part of the larger solenoid block/pack. This is often attempted as a first, cheaper fix, but frequently fails to resolve the P0740 code if the torque converter is the root cause.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150
3. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability While not specific to this vehicle, low or dirty fluid can cause a wide range of transmission problems, including solenoid and converter issues. On the 62TE, contaminated fluid is usually a *symptom* of torque converter failure, as the worn clutch material sheds into the fluid.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be at the correct level, red in color, and not smell burnt. Dark, gritty, or burnt-smelling fluid indicates a serious internal problem. Note: The 62TE does not have a traditional dipstick; the level is checked via a special tool or a cap on the fill tube.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid and filter change using only licensed Mopar ATF+4 fluid. If the fluid is heavily contaminated, it's a strong sign of a larger failure (like the torque converter) and a fluid change alone will not be a permanent fix.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Valve Body: Clogged passages or sticking valves within the valve body can prevent hydraulic pressure from properly engaging the TCC. This is less common than a direct converter or solenoid failure. Often, debris from the failing converter is what clogs the valve body.
• Wiring Harness Damage: Damage to the wiring between the PCM and the transmission can cause an open or short in the TCC solenoid circuit. This should be ruled out with a continuity test before condemning internal components, especially if other transmission codes are present.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): In very rare cases, the driver circuit within the PCM that controls the TCC solenoid can fail. This should only be considered after all other possibilities, including wiring and internal components, have been exhaustively tested.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check and verify the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure it is clean, at the proper level, and does not smell burnt. Use only ATF+4 fluid.
2. Scan the vehicle for any other transmission-related trouble codes. Address other codes first if present.
3. Using an advanced scan tool, monitor the live data for 'TCC Commanded State' and 'Torque Converter Slip Speed' while driving.
4. At a steady cruise speed (around 45-55 mph), verify if the PCM is commanding the TCC to lock up.
5. If lock-up is commanded, observe the slip speed. If it remains high (over 100 RPM), it confirms a mechanical lock-up failure.
6. If possible, test the TCC solenoid circuit for proper voltage and resistance at the main transmission connector to rule out wiring issues. Resistance should be ~5.0-5.2 Ohms.
7. As a final confirmation, drop the transmission side pan and inspect the magnet for excessive metallic clutch material.
8. If the fluid is good and the solenoid circuit tests okay, the problem is highly likely to be a mechanical failure within the torque converter, as per TSB #9004009 and extensive field reports.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Torque Converter (OEM #68003520, R8070538AC (Reman)) — This is the most common point of failure for a P0740 code on the 62TE transmission, as confirmed by manufacturer TSBs and extensive owner reports.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Luk, Transtar, Jasper
  OEM price range: $400-$600
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$400
• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid (OEM #5078709AB) — This solenoid controls the TCC lock-up. While often not the root cause, it can fail and is sometimes replaced as a preventative measure or as a mistaken first attempt at a fix.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Rostra
  OEM price range: $80-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70
• Transmission Filter Kit (OEM #68018555AA) — Must be replaced whenever the transmission pan is dropped for service.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Wix, ATP
  OEM price range: $30-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30
• ATF+4 Transmission Fluid (OEM #68218057AC (Quart), 68218058AC (Gallon)) — This is the only specified fluid for the 62TE transmission. Using other fluid types can cause damage.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Valvoline ATF+4, Castrol ATF+4
  OEM price range: $12-$18 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$12 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0741 — This code indicates 'Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off,' which is a closely related fault pointing to the same set of problems with the TCC system.
• P2764 — TSB #9004009 specifically groups P0740 and P2764 ('Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Low') as codes that point toward torque converter failure if the solenoid itself tests okay.
• P0868 — Indicates 'Transmission Fluid Pressure Low'. This can be a result of a failing front pump, which is often recommended to be replaced along with the torque converter, or widespread internal wear.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB #9004009: Notes that for 62TE transmissions, if the vehicle jerks or slips with code P0740 or P2764 and the TCC solenoid tests okay, the torque converter has failed and should be replaced.
• TSB #21-013-13 / 21-018-14: These bulletins relate to TCM software updates and adaptation learn procedures for the 948TE transmission, but are sometimes referenced in relation to general shift quality issues that can be confused with P0740 symptoms. They do not directly address the P0740 root cause on the 62TE.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin #9004009 states for 62TE equipped vehicles, if the vehicle is jerking/slipping with code P0740, and the TCC Solenoid is okay, the code indicates a torque converter failure and the torque converter should be replaced.
• An owner of a 2015 Grand Caravan reported a P0740 code and was told by a dealer that the transmission had an issue and the torque converter would need to be replaced. (NHTSA ODI #11562844)
• Another owner of a 2015 model reported code P0740 at just over 80,000 miles, accompanied by transmission gear and shift problems and significant overheating. (NHTSA ODI #11407125)

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 5.0 - 5.2 Ohms at room temperature.. Failure: An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading significantly outside the expected range.
• Other shift solenoids in the 62TE pack (e.g., Low/Reverse, Underdrive) — expected: 1.6 - 1.8 Ohms at room temperature.. Failure: Readings that are significantly different from the other similar solenoids, or an open/shorted reading.
• Torque Converter Slip Speed (Live Scan Tool Data) — expected: Should drop to near 0 RPM (less than 60-100 RPM) when TCC lock-up is commanded at cruising speed.. Failure: Slip consistently remains above 100 RPM for several seconds after lock-up is commanded by the PCM.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., WiTECH, Autel, Snap-on): TCC Solenoid Activation Test / Actuator Test — This bidirectional command allows a technician to manually command the TCC solenoid on and off while monitoring the circuit's response. It helps isolate whether the fault is with the solenoid itself, the wiring, or the PCM driver, before performing invasive mechanical work.
• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., WiTECH, Autel, Snap-on): View Live Data: TCC Slip Speed, TCC Desired State, TCC Actual State — This is the primary method for confirming a mechanical torque converter failure. By comparing the PCM's command to the actual slip RPM, a technician can verify that the clutch is physically failing to lock up despite receiving the correct electrical signal.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Solenoid Connector — On top of the transmission, under the airbox and battery tray.. This is the main electrical interface for the entire solenoid pack. All resistance and voltage tests for the TCC solenoid circuit can be performed here without opening the transmission, making it the first point of electrical diagnosis.
• Pin 10 (Solenoid Pack Connector) — At the main transmission solenoid connector.. This is the common power feed pin from the transmission control relay. When testing resistance for most solenoids in the pack, one lead of the multimeter is placed on this pin.
• Pin 3 (Solenoid Pack Connector) — At the main transmission solenoid connector.. This is the specific control circuit pin for the TCC (or EMCC/VFS) solenoid. Resistance is measured between this pin and Pin 10 to test the TCC solenoid coil.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Broken Cars with Johnny Mike' (2013 Dodge Grand Caravan with 193,000 miles) — Check Engine Light with code P0740 (TCC stuck off).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The video focuses on the successful repair, implying that just clearing the code was not a fix.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The transmission was removed and the torque converter was replaced. For good measure, the solenoid block, fluid, and filter were also replaced. The technician confirmed the fix by monitoring TCC slip speed with a scan tool on a road test, ensuring it dropped to near zero RPM when commanded. The old converter was cut open and the internal clutch was found to be 'fried'.
• YouTube channel 'white trash racing' (2011 Dodge Grand Caravan with 131,000 miles) — P0740, torque converter shudder when put in drive, whining noise, and failure to lock up at highway speeds.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The diagnosis confirmed the electrical signals to the solenoid were good, ruling out a simple wiring issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replaced the torque converter and, as a preventative measure, the TCC lock-up solenoid. After the repair, a scan tool confirmed the torque converter slip was near zero at cruise, resolving the code and symptoms.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5078709AA, 5078709AB → 68371508AB — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number (68371508AB) replaces the previous versions and should be compatible with all 62TE applications within the specified model years.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2007-2020: While the 62TE transmission was used consistently, there can be minor differences in torque converter and TCM calibrations between different engine pairings (e.g., 3.6L vs 4.0L) and model years. However, the fundamental cause and diagnosis for P0740 remain the same across the 2013-2020 Grand Caravan range.