I have a 2005 Automatic Toyota Corolla. In late December 2009, the check engine light came on with error code PO741. I took it to the Toyota dealership and they replaced the Engine Control Module and sent me on my way.
Less than one month later, January 2010, the check engine came on again with the same error code. I took it back to the same Toyota dealership, where the tech insisted the transmission had the wrong transmission fluid (Dextron fluid instead of Type T4). This is complete bullcrap because the car had no prior transmission work/maintenance done. At less than 50K miles, there was no need. But I wanted the car fixed so per the tech’s recommendation, I paid for a transmission fluid flush but the code PO741 is still on! The tech didn’t know what was causing the code and said I needed to authorize a complete tear down †with all costs out of my pocket because the car was now out of warranty - or simply replace the transmission entirely ($5K). As a student, I couldn’t afford either option.
Now, many months later, the PO741 code/check engine light cycles on and off every few hundred miles (250-350 miles).
I took it to an independent transmission specialist who test drove my car. He couldn’t be certain about the cause of the code, but thought it could be a bad clutch. He said I'd notice worst gas mileage (though not terrible) and that I needed to get it repaired ASAP in order to pass a smog check test. However, the repair would still cost thousands, which I simply cannot pay right now.
My questions are:
(1) What else could be the cause of the code? ECM has been replaced, transmission fluid has been flushed and replaced with correct T4 fluid. The car appears to drive fine. There's been no stalling or anything like that.
(2) What can I do to fix the code?
(3) If I were to take my car for a smog check during the time that the check engine light is not illuminated, will my car still pass the smog check? Can the tester see that the check engine light has been on and off X amount of times (the history) and fail my car for that reason?
Tuesday, October 30th, 2018 AT 2:14 PM
(Merged)
