Cadillac Repair: Service Engine Soon 1999 Seville, torque converter clutch, torque converter clutch circuit malfunction

Question
Hi Bill, I have a 1999 Seville SLS with 63K. The "Service Engine Soon" light has been on for awhile. I took it to a shop  to get it checked on the computer and they came up with a P0740 error "Torque Converter Clutch Switch Stuck in off Position". They said the dealer would probably charge $1000 to fix it but it would not damage the car if I didn't have it repaired. My emmission check is due here in Georgia so I took it to AutoZone and their computer came up with a P0741 error "Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction". I would appreciate any advise or recommendation you can give me as to what I should do. Thank you, Darlene  

Answer
Hi Darlene, Looks like the Seville is probably out of warrenty on time or miles but if you haven't checked with the Caddy dealer about coverage this might be the place to start. Looking through the trouble tree for code PO741 there are several things that it could be and not being a trans tech I would say that your problem could be inside the trans but it could be a bad wire connection somewhere as well. Going to the dealer or shop that knows how to diagnos this might be required. I'm not sure if having a check engine light on can fail the emmissions test or if the emmissions out the tailpipe are all that is important. If this condition continues you will probably see a drop in gas mileage...how much will depend upon you driving style...but the emmissions out the tail pipe should be with-in legal limits. Maybe a call to the testing center or drive over before your test date and ask if the light/code set will fail your test and then you will know if you will need to fix this problem or let it go for now. Hope that helps. Bill