What Is the P1744 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
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The diagnostic error code, P1744, indicates a problem with the performance of your car’s torque clutch converter system. While this is not a generic code, its meaning is the same across the board. However, it may read as “torque converter clutch system stuck on off position” in the following vehicles:
- Ford
- Lincoln
- Mazda
- Mercury
A Hyundai vehicle will display the P1744 code as “lock-up clutch system.” These terms all refer to the same issue, even though the description used is different.
If your car activates the check engine light and indicates a P1744 diagnostic code, this means that there are issues within your torque converter clutch system. While this may sound technical, it simply means that your car is having trouble generating energy for the transmission. This is because something has gone wrong with the torque converter between the engine and transmission. In short, your engine will not receive the power it needs to move the vehicle the way it should.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P1744 Code?
Damage or faults within a car’s torque conversion system will lead to several noticeable symptoms, both audible and visible, as well as the activation of the check engine light. The common symptoms include, but are not limited to
- Increased engine noise
- Rough idling
- Shuddering during acceleration
- Transmission slippage
- Engine overheating
- High stall speeds
What Are Some Causes of a P1744 Code?
The causes of a P1744 code can vary in severity, and in many cases, more than one underlying factor will be at work where the symptoms are severe. Possible causes include:
- Dirty or low transmission fluid
- Transmission fluid leaks
- Damage or faults within the mechanical system associated with the transmission
- Damaged or faulty clutch converter solenoid valve
- Damaged or faulty clutch converter connectors or harness
- Torque converter clutch solenoid valve circuit open or shorted
How Serious Is the P1744 Code?
The P1744 diagnostic error code is severe in terms of drivability because it impacts and limits the engine’s access to power. While this can cause shuddering and rough idling when the damage is limited, as it progresses it may prevent proper acceleration or even lead to an RPM ratio of 1 to 1. If left to escalate, this issue can lead to high stall speeds or even render the car undrivable, which presents both safety and practicality concerns for those who rely on their vehicle.
Can I Still Drive with a P1744 Code?
Depending on the severity of the issues within your car’s torque clutch conversion system, it may be difficult or impossible to safely drive your car due to a fluctuation in RPMs. It is best to have issues with a vehicle’s torque conversion system assessed and repaired promptly to ensure that your car works efficiently and safely.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1744 Code?
Provided a thorough inspection of all connected components is undertaken, diagnosing a P1744 code is simple, but it can be time-consuming. Some of the most common mistakes made during diagnoses are failing to check transmission fluid filtration, overlooking connectors, and failing to check the security of the transmission pan.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1744 Code?
Inspecting the components that commonly cause P1744 codes to activate requires the removal of the transmission pan and the ability to access the torque converter clutch solenoid valve and sensor. With the correct tools, this is a straightforward process that any professional should be able to undertake in a few hours or less.
It is also possible for car owners to address some of these issues by draining the car’s transmission fluid, changing the filter, and adding new transmission fluid. If the underlying issue is low or contaminated transmission fluid, the issues should cease once this process is complete. However, due to the likelihood of electronic faults or physical damage contributing to the activation of the P1744 code, it is advisable to seek professional assessment to avoid the recurrence of issues at a later date.
Need Additional Help with Your P1744 Code?
The best way to ensure the safety and efficiency of your vehicle is to have a professional diagnose and repair the issues associated with a P1744 code (or any error code). The Kelley Blue Book (KBB) auto repair center locator is an excellent, free resource that can help you to find a reputable, local service center.
If you have further questions about diagnostic error codes, you can also refer to the KBB OBD-II database. This accessible database lists all currently used OBD-II codes, their meanings, and the vehicles that they apply to, and can empower you to make informed decisions about the care of your car.
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