P0742 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
3 Honda models · 6 documented issues · 3 critical · $80-$7,000 repair
P0742 on Honda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission experienced severe drivability issues from programming defects. Software-controlled dog clutches proved incompatible with Honda's calibration, causing violent shaking/juddering, hesitation when accelerating from stops, and harsh downshifts at low speeds. Multiple class-action lawsuits filed against Honda.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden violent shaking/shuddering during acceleration
- Harsh downshifts between 2nd and 3rd gear
- Hesitation when accelerating from stops
- Jerking when merging into traffic or uphill
- Rough shifting at low speeds (under 30 mph)
- Transmission slipping sensation
How to Fix
Honda issued TSB 17-043 recommending three consecutive drain-and-fill procedures to completely refresh transmission fluid, followed by software update to recalibrate transmission control module. Fluid deteriorates faster than expected under high heat loads. 2020+ models received improved software calibration.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda/Acura ATF Type 3.1, one quartOEMHonda 08268-P99-4EDAD (supersedes 08200-9017)
Exact fluid branch only when a correctly diagnosed 2018-2019 Odyssey ZF 9AT needs scheduled or condition-based fluid service Fitment/availability: 2018-2019 U.S. Honda Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L with the ZF nine-speed only.
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipDemand complete triple drain-and-fill procedure per TSB 17-043 - single fluid change won't fix it
- TipAfter TSB repair, shuddering may take 100-200 miles of driving to disappear as transmission relearns
- WarningAvoid 2018-2019 Odyssey models if possible - 9-speed transmission has fundamental design flaws
Sources for this issue (1)
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)
Honda Crosstour (2010-2015) owners report transmission shuddering, hard shifting, slipping gears, and hesitation during acceleration. The 5-speed automatic transmission experiences torque converter shudder at low speeds (15-35 mph) and harsh shifting between gears. Honda issued software updates for torque converter control, but many owners report issues persist. Transmission fluid flush may help temporarily.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission shuddering at low speeds (15-35 mph)
- Hard or harsh shifting between gears
- Slipping gears during acceleration
- Hesitation when accelerating from stop
- Grinding or whining noise from transmission
- Rough downshifts when slowing
How to Fix
Early stage: Transmission fluid flush with genuine Honda ATF DW-1 ($150-250). Check for Honda software updates/TSBs for torque converter. Severe cases: Torque converter replacement ($1,500-2,500) or transmission rebuild ($2,500-4,000). CrosstourOwnersClub reports some dealers performed torque converter software updates that improved shudder. Use only Honda ATF DW-1 - aftermarket fluids make shudder worse.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda ATF DW-1 08200-9008, 12-quart caseOEMHonda 08200-9008
Bulletin-required fluid after the 2013-2015 V6 software/snapshot procedure confirms lock-up-clutch judder Fitment/availability: Exact Honda 08200-9008 DW-1; Bulletin 17-042 requires 10 quarts for its repeated drain-and-fill process. Do n…
- Genuine Honda 90471-PX4-000 18 mm drain-plug washerOEMHonda 90471-PX4-000
New drain-plug washer required by the bulletin service Fitment/availability: One 18 mm washer for the 2013-2015 V6 Bulletin 17-042 procedure; verify current supersession at checkout.
- Genuine Honda 11107-PWA-300 24 mm fill sealing washerOEMHonda 11107-PWA-300
New fill-bolt sealing washer required by the bulletin service Fitment/availability: One 24 mm washer for the 2013-2015 V6 Bulletin 17-042 procedure. Fitment/availability: $2.87 and Add to Cart live when checked
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipAsk dealer for torque converter software update (TSB may exist) - some CrosstourOwnersClub members report this fixed shudder.
- WarningDon't ignore shudder - it indicates torque converter wear. Continued driving can lead to complete transmission failure requiring $3k+ rebuild.
Sources for this issue (1)
The Honda Crosstour (2010-2015) has a serious transmission defect where pieces of the ball bearing from the secondary shaft can become lodged in the parking pawl, causing the transmission to slip when put into Park. This results in the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, creating a serious safety hazard. Honda issued a recall for the transmission control module software to prevent engine stall, but the parking pawl issue persists. Symptoms include transmission slipping in Park, vehicle rolling on incline when in Park, and grinding noise when shifting.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle rolls when in Park (especially on incline)
- Grinding noise when shifting to Park
- Transmission slips out of Park
- Difficulty shifting into Park
- Metallic grinding noise from transmission
- Transmission warning lights
How to Fix
This is a SAFETY ISSUE - use parking brake ALWAYS when parking, especially on inclines. If vehicle rolls in Park, have transmission inspected immediately. Repair may require internal transmission rebuild ($2,000-4,000) to replace parking pawl and damaged components. Check for Honda recalls/TSBs affecting your VIN. Always use parking brake as backup - don't rely on Park alone.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningCRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE: ALWAYS use parking brake when parking - do NOT rely on Park alone. Vehicle can roll away and cause injury/death.
- TipSet parking brake BEFORE shifting to Park - reduces stress on parking pawl and prevents failure.
- WarningIf you notice ANY grinding when shifting to Park or vehicle rolls even slightly, get transmission inspected IMMEDIATELY before it fails completely.
Sources for this issue (3)
The Honda Passport (2019-2023) with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission experiences rough shifting, delayed shifting, harsh acceleration/deceleration, sudden loss of power, and transmission slipping into neutral unexpectedly. A class action lawsuit alleges the transmission control module (TCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) are miscalibrated, causing dangerous failures. Owners report the transmission downshifting harshly at highway speeds, hesitating when accelerating from a stop, and in severe cases, dropping into neutral while driving. Honda has issued multiple software updates (TSBs) but many owners report issues persist.
Common Symptoms
- Harsh or jerky shifting between gears (especially 7th to 8th)
- Delayed acceleration when pressing gas pedal
- Sudden harsh acceleration or deceleration
- Transmission slipping into neutral while driving
- Grinding or clunking noise during shifts
- Loss of power at highway speeds
- Transmission hesitation when merging
How to Fix
Early stage: Visit Honda dealer for latest TCM/PCM software updates (multiple TSBs released). Many owners report temporary improvement. Severe cases (slipping into neutral, complete failure): Transmission replacement or rebuild ($4,000-7,000). Check if your vehicle is covered under Honda's extended powertrain warranty (5yr/60k standard). Document all issues and visits - may qualify for lemon law buyback if multiple repair attempts fail. Consider extended warranty if purchasing used.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda/Acura ATF Type 3.1, one quartOEMHonda 08268-P99-4EDAD / 08200-9017
Correct-fluid branch only when scheduled maintenance or the diagnosed repair procedure requires a nine-speed fluid service Fitment/availability: 2019-2023 U.S. Honda Passport ZF nine-speed automatic requiring ATF Type 3.1; current Honda …
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
- WarningCRITICAL: If transmission slips into neutral while driving, pull over immediately and contact Honda roadside assistance. Document incident for lemon law claims.
- TipPassportForums owners report smoother shifts by manually holding lower gears on steep hills - reduces harsh downshifts and "hunting" behavior.
- TipUse Sport mode for highway driving - many owners report it reduces harsh downshifting and keeps transmission in appropriate gears longer.
- WarningDo NOT ignore transmission issues - multiple owners have experienced complete failure requiring $6k+ replacement. Address problems early.
Sources for this issue (1)
Honda Passport owners report annoying vibration and wobble at highway speeds (45-65 mph). The vibration is cyclical, often felt through the steering wheel, floor, and seats. Common causes include: wheel balance issues (OEM wheels are finicky), tire cupping/uneven wear, driveshaft imbalance, transmission torque converter shudder, and worn suspension bushings. Some owners report Honda dealers dismissing it as "normal characteristic" despite it being clearly abnormal. Road force balancing (not regular balancing) often fixes tire-related vibration.
Common Symptoms
- Vibration or wobble at 45-65 mph (highway speeds)
- Steering wheel shaking or vibrating
- Floor/seat vibration felt throughout vehicle
- Vibration disappears below 40 mph or above 70 mph
- Worse when accelerating, better when coasting
- Cyclical vibration (comes and goes rhythmically)
How to Fix
Start with cheapest fixes first: (1) Road force balance all 4 tires ($80-150) - regular balance often doesn't fix it on Passports. (2) Rotate tires to see if vibration moves ($30-50). (3) Check tire pressure and inspect for uneven wear/cupping. If tires aren't the issue: (4) Transmission fluid flush may fix torque converter shudder ($150-250). (5) Inspect/replace worn suspension bushings ($200-600). (6) Driveshaft balancing ($150-300). PassportForums owners report road force balance fixes 60% of cases.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipPassportForums proven fix: Road force balance (not regular balance) at a reputable shop. Regular balance won't fix Honda wheel/tire combo issues.
- TipDiscount Tire/America's Tire does free road force balance for life if you bought tires there - PassportForums members love this perk.
- WarningDon't accept "normal characteristic" from dealer - vibration at highway speeds is NOT normal. Seek second opinion or try independent shop.
- TipIf vibration gets worse after tire rotation, it's definitely tire-related. Road force balance will fix it.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0742 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 P0742 mean on a Honda?
P0742 stands for "Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On." P0742 means the torque converter clutch (TCC) circuit is stuck on, meaning the lockup clutch that mechanically links the engine to the transmission stays engaged when it should release. The computer commands the clutch on and off, and when it detects the converter clutch remaining applied, it sets this code. The classic symptom is the engine stalling when coming to a stop, similar to driving a manual without pushing the clutch in, along with possible harsh shifts or poor fuel economy. It points to a hydraulic or solenoid problem inside the transmission rather than the engine. On Honda it is documented across 3 models: Odyssey, Crosstour, Passport.
What are the most common causes of P0742?
The most common causes of P0742 are: Stuck or failed torque converter clutch solenoid, Stuck valve in the valve body (TCC apply valve), Contaminated or degraded transmission fluid, Internal transmission hydraulic leak holding the clutch on, Wiring or connector fault to the TCC solenoid, Faulty torque converter, Dirty or clogged transmission filter. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0742 on a Honda?
Published repair estimates on Honda range from $80 to $7,000 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 P0742 on a different make?
View P0742 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.