I am thinking of purchasing a 97 Deville. I checked the codes on it and it said PO741 current.. I know this has to do with the torque converter and shifting into overdrive but it seems to shift into overdrive just fine. I have erased the code and it comes back. Could this just be a glitch. I tried just driving in drive after i reset it and it would still come back even though I wasnt in overdrive but I know when i have it in overdrive that it is working. I watched the rpms and ran about 2300 at 60mph in drive and about 1850 in overdrive at the same speed.. Any help is appreciated.. I am really thinking about buying this vehicle but dont want to spend a fortune on repairs.

 

It has nothing to do with the overdrive.
The torque converter clutch is slipping or not engaging.
In my experience the trans will need to come out for this repair.
The only noticeable symptoms will be the check engine light and a slightly higher cruising engine speed(150-300 rpm)

 

Just wondering what the normal range is. In overdrive at 60mph it was about 1850-1900 rpm. Could this problem just be caused by a wire. Seems to be a really nice car otherwise, just dont want to buy it and then be stuck with a big bill

 

IIRC right around 1550-1600rpm. It varies by year and model.
Any time a P0741 is stored the computer disables the TCC circuit.

A basicway to test the TCC is to maintain a steady speed ~50 - 60mph and then lightly press the brake with your other foot. Watch for the rpm to raise by 150 - 300. Eninge must be at normal temp and the check engine light must be off.

Could it be a wire? Sure, but i would bet a dollar and a doughnut that its not that simple.
The 4T80 transmission has been inuse from 1993 til present. It is a very Stout unit.
The TCC problem is by far the most common issue.

 

Just curious. How much do you think a fix on this would cost and you said earlier about a check engine light would be one of the only symptoms but no check engine light comes on

 

Cost would depend on who you have do the work. See if you can get a rough estimate over the phone.
If you have a P0741 current code it needs to fail twice within XX ignition cycles before the light will turn on. If you clear the code it resets the timer. It might take a week or 2 before the light comes on, sometimes longer.

 

called a reputable transmission place and they said 3000 dollars. Does that sound about right. And would you dare to keep driving a car with this problem without fixing it. I have heard some people do.. Sorry for so many questions . This is my last one.. Thanks for all the replies

 

Call a Caddy dealer. I'm sure we would be cheaper by quite a bit.