On Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:15:48 +0000 (UTC), Tegger <invalid@invalid.inv>
wrote:

>Flatlander <flatlander47@cox.net> wrote in
>news:n9gad5hfk9sgmguk4b8q96243harhmv8fe@4ax.com :
>
>> My daughter's 2001 Civic LX had the Check Engine light come on. The
>> error code was P0740, which is apparently a torque converter clutch
>> malfunction. I assume that has something to do with the lockup
>> function. Honda service in Tampa said it would be a transmission
>> replacement but recommended she keep driving it until it quit - which
>> may be soon or forever.
>
>
>
>According to TSB 01-049, it's the torque converter thats gone bad.
>Apparently there's paper material on the torque converter piston, and it
>deteriorates.

I've been reading this apparently happens a lot in this model year.

>> I've seen posts in several forums saying to have the transmission
>> flushed but further posts that it really doesn't resolve the problem.
>> Any suggestions? If it's just that the lockup may or may not work, I
>> don't see that doing any damage for around-town driving. I'm inclined
>> to tell her to keep driving it until other problems develop.
>>
>> The car is a 2001 Civic LX with 125k on it. She's put about 25k on
>> herself. Car is otherwise in good shape. Belt changed about 10k ago.
>> New tires, etc. So the car seems to be worth keeping.
>>
>
>
>If you're out of warranty and the dealer isn't willing to try and get you a
>"goodwill" warranty fix, then your best bet is to just drive it until it
>breaks.
>
>You may wish to go back to the dealer and try this: Mention TSB 01-049. Ask
>them if there's any way they can ask Honda to work a deal where, for
>instance, Honda picks up the parts and you pick up the labor.
>It might work.

Thanks for the great information and good tips. I'm not sure whether
the daugher is up to pushing at the dealer. May take it there myself
when we're down there at Thanksgiving. Doing something like picking
up the labor would certainly be a reasonable cost repair!