I have a 1998 4.6 4x4 automatic tranny, and i think my torque converter is going out. First symptom was during acceleration around the 40 mph mark i would get a strong stutter/shake of the whole truck. I initially thought that i have a u-joint going out, so i checked under the truck and i couldn't find anything wrong with the u-joints anywhere on the truck. So my next thought was maybe i had stripped out 3rd because it seems to only do it in third. So i pulled my pan to look for metal shaving and other signs of damage and nothing. It looked like every 120000 mile tranny pan I've ever seen.(i replaced filter and fluid) Then this morning is when the real fun began, on my way to work my truck through the code p1741,(Torque Converter Clutch Control Error)i have a edge cs tuner so i knew the code instantly. So i then cleared the code and kept driving, i then was driving about 10 mph and i had to stop to wait for a car to pull out, when i pressed the gas the truck revved to about 2000 and then it caught, much like how a manual feels. It only did this once and i drove the truck for about 30 miles today. It shifts fine. Ive never worked on a torque converter so I'm not sure what i need to do, or buy. Any input would be appreciated. (I don't take my truck to shops, i do my own work.)

 

IMO you discribed problems more than just the Torque converter solenoid clutch code.
At 10 mph the torque converter clutch should not be that active.
The high rev discribes what would happen at higher rpm if the pressure control solenoid suddenly opened and fluid gated to the clutch disc accumulator slamming the clutch operated instead of being operated under full control according to RPM, road speed and TPS position.
Normally at a low speed like that, all that is going on is the normal torque converter 'slip' until the trans reaches higher gears, RPM, and/or road speed and throttle position that tells the PCM what to do with transmission control.
I suspect a wire harness issue within the transmission at the valve body but you will have to get deeper into the diagnostics to find out.
There may be other codes that might show up to confirmn this.
Broken Accumulator springs often cause harsh engaements.
The converter cluch is electric only.
Just my take based on what you discribe.
Good luck.

 

Well when the revs went up and when it threw the code where at 2 different times. When it threw the code i was doing about 30 accelerating to 40. I didn't feel anything. I have very little understanding of exactly how a automatic trans functions with the valve body, and springs and torque converter. Maybe its just time to do a manual swap so i don't have to deal with these issues. Seems like going any farther into the trouble shooting is just going to direct me to replace the entire trans.

 

Respectfully, your giving in to what you feel is a simpler or more reliable swap.
The problem is too many items have to be changed over.
The PCM would have to be changes because there is no solenoid functions to shift in a standard setup.
You need a flywheel and clutch setup.
A pedal install along with the gear shift assembly and other items.
You really should get your auto trans repaired for the lesser hassle and expense you might run into trying to get a swap all working.
The manuel trans used in these trucks are not all that tough.
The auto you have is a good trans but they wear and have issues the same as any other parts.
Think it over.
Good luck.

 

WELL, yea your probably right about the swap. I know it can be done but your right those mazda 5 speeds are garbage and the only other trans i know fits a 4.6 pattern is i think termac or something like that. I think I'm just ganna take it into a transmission shop and let them scratch their brains over it. Thanks for the insight.