What Is the P0944 Code?
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The P0944 error code stands for “Hydraulic Pressure Unit Loss of Pressure.” This means that your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has detected a significant drop in hydraulic pressure within the automatic transmission. As a generic powertrain code, you may see the P0944 error code in many automatic transmission vehicles that display OBD-II trouble codes.
More About the P0944 Code
Automatic transmissions that are hydraulically controlled use valves to control the vehicle’s shift timing—mainline pressure is directed by various transmission control valves to specific hydraulic circuits, based on various inputs from the PCM or ECM, resulting in the correct hydraulic pressures within your engine. The transmission fluid hydraulic pressure needs to stay at a certain level in order to function properly. If your vehicle’s PCM or transmission control module (TCM) detects a drop in hydraulic pressure much more severe than expected from the hydraulic pump, your scan tool may display the P0944 code.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0944 Code?
In most vehicles, the only symptom of the P0944 code is an illuminated check engine light. If the issue is quite severe, you may also see issues with transmission shifting overall, which can result in problems like high engine RPM, which can cause problems with your internal engine. This may include delayed shifting or issues with the transmission not shifting at all, which can result in a vehicle that isn’t able to go higher than a certain speed.
What Are Some Causes of a P0944 Code?
There are a number of possible causes for the P0944 diagnostic trouble code, most of them having to do with your transmission pump and transmission fluid. Here are a few of the most common issues:
- Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Faulty transmission oil pump
- Clogged or otherwise obstructed transmission filter
- Faulty hydraulic pressure sensor or pressure switch
- Main regulator valve stuck
- Damaged or faulty wiring
- Internal transmission failure, although this is uncommon
How Serious Is the P0944 Code?
OBD-II code P0944 may not be especially serious right now, as most vehicles only show the check engine light illuminated with this code, but it’s critical that you treat it as a serious code. Any issues with transmission hydraulic pressure can rapidly develop into a severe problem within the engine, often without warning. Even if you’re not seeing any drivability problems currently, treating the P0944 code as unimportant is one of the most common mistakes that a driver can make.
Can I Still Drive with a P0944 Code?
Most of the time, you’ll physically be able to drive when the P0944 code is active in your vehicle. It’s fairly uncommon for it to be so serious that it actually impacts your vehicle’s drivability. However, as mentioned, this problem can very quickly result in a more severe driving problem that could leave you stranded at just about any moment. Instead of continuing to drive with this code active, it’s a good idea to talk to an expert and get it fixed.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0944 Code?
Diagnosing the P0944 code can be quite difficult. There are many possible issues related to this code, from a faulty pump to an issue with transmission line pressure to even a problem requiring a remanufactured transmission. Many DIYers aren’t able to successfully determine the core problem resulting in the P0944 code because there are just so many possible components related to the code. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to an expert; if you mess up the attempted fix, repair costs can quickly become much more expensive than if you just talk to a professional first.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0944 Code?
The inspection process for the P0944 code can be just as difficult as the diagnostic process. You may need to check for signs of leakage of your transmission fluid, signs of a faulty transmission pump, and even symptoms of automatic transmission failure, all of which can help point you toward the core problem that you’re dealing with. If you’re working with the P0944 code, it’s probably a good idea to get help from an expert, as determining what’s going on requires you to work on a variety of heavily technical components in the engine.
Need Additional Help with Your P0944 Code?
If you need extra help with your P0944 code, you can definitely get it. There are lots of experts who are able to help with various codes, and some locations even offer mobile mechanics who may be able to come to your home if your vehicle is unable to start or drive safely.
To start, you can find an auto repair shop in your area. A local auto repair shop will be able to assess your hydraulic pressure unit and handle all the components of the process that you may not be able to do as a DIYer.
Additionally, if you want to know whether your scan tool is identifying other issues that you might have to fix when you go to the repair shop, you can check out the OBD-II database at KBB.com. This database will give you insight into what these codes mean and what kinds of fixes might be necessary for your vehicle.
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