Cadillac: P0741 code

I have a 2001 DHS with a service engine soon light on. The code
returned P0741 (torque converter solenoid). The transmission has been
behaving normally except for a whine that it has had for at least 2
years when running at over 2000RPM (the dealer checked it and said
that there was no problem as recently as 6 months ago).

I have obtained highly variable information from several shops, this
ranging from trying to replace the solenoid alone (which involves
partially dropping the transmission), replacing the entire
transmission (!), replacing the solenoid and the torque converter; and
doing nothing (with only the loss of a few mpg resulting).

The car (which I love) has 110K miles on it and I would like to keep
it for a few more years (I can't afford to buy a new one and the used
ones that I have seen don't do much for me). I am taking it to the
dealer on Monday (3 days from now) and see what they say. I trust the
service rep (he told me on the phone that the transmission can
probably be fixed and not require replacement).

I am not sophisticated with cars, so try and make replies fairly
simple if possible :-)


Many thanks in advance,

Bob
Robert A. Fink, M. D.
Neurological Surgery
2500 Milvia Street Suite 222
Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA
510-849-2555

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NOTE: The material above is not "medical
advice". Medical advice can only be
given after an in-person contact between
doctor and patient.
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