P0744 code meaning
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0744 means
The torque converter clutch (lock-up) connects pump and turbine mechanically; a solenoid – on/off, pulse-width modulated or proportional – moves a control valve in the valve body. Slip is engine speed minus turbine speed. Manufacturers do not use P0740–P0744 uniformly: Ford uses P0740 for open, P0742 for short to ground and P0744 for short to power, and reports stuck on as P2758. In J2012 P0744 is an intermittent fault in the converter clutch circuit, but no manufacturer document available to us uses it that way: Ford flags a short to power via the driver feedback line after 0.5–5 s with MIL, and Nissan's CVT bulletins treat it as a functional converter fault checked at the valve body and belt. GM does not use it. Short interruptions make the clutch drop out and reapply, and lock-up may be disabled for the trip.
P0744 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0744
- Check engine light
- Lock-up missing or jerky at times
- Engine speed jumps when cruising
Common causes of P0744
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the transmission connector or harness
- PossibleFord: control wire shorted to positive
- PossibleSolenoid with temperature-dependent winding fault
- Less likelyNissan CVT: converter or valve body mechanical
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Torque converter clutch solenoidTorque converterTransmission valve bodyTransmission control module
What each part of P0744 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 44 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0744 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0744
What does P0744 mean?
P0744 means "Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent". The torque converter clutch (lock-up) connects pump and turbine mechanically; a solenoid – on/off, pulse-width modulated or proportional – moves a control valve in the valve body. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0744?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0744 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0744 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0744 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0744 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.