My XJ8 had been showing code P0743 (Torque Converter Solenoid Electrical) for quite some time, but with no symptoms. As of now though, it will not go into drive or reverse without stalling. I am assuming that this solenoid is now failed and causing lockup all the time.

Does anyone know if this solenoid is open or closed when the converter is locked? Also, does energizing the solenoid cause it to open or close?

As I am always looking for a cheap fix to keep the car driving, I am wondering if I can simply snip the wire to unlock it.

 

That solenoid is in the transmission. You will need to remove the pan for access. If you think that is the problem you just might as well replace it after going through the trouble of removing the pan. You can test it's resistance to see if it is bad. And of course change oil and filter while you are at it.

Do not just unplug or cut the wires. If you do you will have a check engine ligjt on forever. If you want to know what wires to cut you're in the wrong forum. That would be the Mickey Mouse Club for that information.

 

If I cut a wire, I can always splice it back together. I have a wiring diagram for the vehicle, so I should be able to identify it in an easy to access spot under the hood.

I am wondering if that will work though, just to be able to drive the car. It is stuck in a outdoor parking lot and cannot move it.

It has been one thing after another with this car. The only time I got to drive it was home from buying it.

I don't have money to keep putting into it. I just bought a battery with all I could afford this month, and now this happens.

 

Sorry about your situation. When I get back to my shop in a couple of hours I see if I can figure someway for you to get it home. Do you have the ability to do mechanical work on the car, like dropping the transmission pan?

 

Yes, I can do the work but cant afford the parts and supplies this month, even to diagnose the solenoid itself.

I would much rather have the TCC stuck off than on (at least I could drive).

I saw some info on the internet relating to other vehicles that say the P0743 DTC is caused by a TCM malfunction that is falsely sending the signal to the solenoid. I thought snipping the wire a few inches from the TCM would be a simpler diagnostic than testing the solenoid itself.

 

I checked a valve body I have in the shop. I took out the solenoid and it is open and closes when energized. I did some quick resesrch and it says the if the solenoid fails in the open position the torque converter will be locked and will stall the engine. So if that is the case and the solenoid has failed in the open position I think the only way you can get it to close is by replacing it. I'm speculating because I'm not a transmission specialist. I'll try to do a little more research.

 

You wouldn't happen to have a spare solenoid laying around that you could part ways with, would you?

 

Yes I have a spare valve body I can take one from.
PM sent.