P0744 Torque converter clutch control signal dropping in and out

Torque converter clutch circuit intermittent

P0744 in short

P0744 means the transmission computer saw the torque converter clutch control signal drop in and out. It is often wiring or a connector, but Nissan bulletins also link it to valve body and CVT faults on some models. Have it inspected soon and check for a bulletin for your vehicle.

The torque converter clutch locks the engine to the transmission at steady speed. The transmission computer drives it through a solenoid circuit and watches that circuit. P0744 means the circuit or its feedback is intermittent rather than fully failed.

Nissan ties P0744 to a control valve replacement on some 2007–2008 Altima, Rogue and Sentra CVTs, and sends it to repair flow charts on the 2009–2010 Cube and Versa and on the 2018–2020 Kicks and 2020 Versa, where it can come with hesitation or reduced power.

Because the fault comes and goes, it is easy to miss. Note when it happens and do not clear the code before a shop reads it.

Most likely causes

  1. Loose connector or damaged wiring to the lock-up solenoid

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The code describes an intermittent circuit, and the lock-up solenoid is a monitored output, so a connection that drops out fits it directly.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code comes and goes with bumps or temperature, or wiggling the harness changes the reading.

  2. Control valve assembly (2007–2008 Nissan CVT)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan replaces the control valve and has the transmission computer relearn on these cars with P0744.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Altima, Rogue or Sentra with P0840, P0845 or P1777 also stored.

  3. CVT fault found through the Nissan repair flow chart

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan sends P0744 to a repair flow chart on the 2009–2010 Cube and Versa and the 2018–2020 Kicks and 2020 Versa.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Nissan, especially with other CVT codes such as P0746 or P0841.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared. Note every code, not just this one.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for a P0744 bulletin or software update for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop check the lock-up solenoid circuit and connectors while wiggling the harness, and watch the solenoid on a scan tool during a road test.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data and output controls

    Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift, often with pressure gauges, and needs the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, often with no other symptom
  • Hesitation or reduced power on some Nissans Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Shudder or slight rpm change at steady speed

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open P0744 bulletin or software update. Nissan and Ford have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0744 unless a test points to it. Nissan has the existing module relearn after its valve repair.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2007–2008 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB-09-148 replaces the control valve for P0744 with P0840, P0845 or P1777. The Altima and Sentra are also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the CVT, on the control valve

  • 2018–2020 · Kicks

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB19-040c covers P0744 with other CVT codes and possible hesitation or reduced power. The 2020 Versa is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2009–2010 · Versa

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB-10-016 sends P0744 with other CVT codes to a repair flow chart. The Cube is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • NTB19-040cStatus unverified

    MIL with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841 and others, may hesitate or lack power

    2018–2020kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10174415

    Covers several CVT codes including P0744, with possible hesitation or reduced power. Kicks 2018–2020, Versa 2020. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB-09-148Status unverified

    MIL with P0840, P0845, P0744, P1777; replace control valve

    2007–2008altima, rogue, sentra · issued · NHTSA 10033269

    Replace the control valve assembly, then erase the transmission computer calibration data so it relearns. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB-10-016Status unverified

    MIL with P0740, P0744, P0840, P1777

    2009–2010cube, versa · issued · NHTSA 10033307

    Refers to a repair flow chart. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2001 · Windstar

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford 14625 covers the check engine light with P0741 and P0744. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 14625Status unverified

    Check engine light with P0741 / P0744

    2001windstar · issued · NHTSA 617998

    Covers the check engine light with these converter clutch codes. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0744. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0744 can be that code, so fix P0744 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0741Torque converter clutch not engaging as commanded

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Both are torque converter clutch codes. Ford and Nissan bulletins list them together.

  • P0746Pressure control solenoid A is not working or stuck off

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan lists both in the same CVT bulletin for the Kicks and Versa.

  • P0841Transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch reading does not make sense

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan lists both in the same CVT bulletin for the Kicks and Versa.

  • P0740Torque converter clutch control circuit fault

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan's bulletin covers a check engine light with P0740, P0744, P0840 and P1777, both torque converter clutch codes.

All Transmission codes

P0744 questions

What is the difference between P0741 and P0744?

P0741 means the converter clutch is not locking or holding. P0744 means its control circuit is cutting in and out, which often points to wiring first.

Is it safe to drive with P0744?

Have it inspected soon. Toyota tells owners to get the car checked right away when the light is on for the transmission. If the car hesitates or loses power, get it checked before relying on it.

Why does P0744 keep coming back after clearing?

Because the fault is intermittent. Clearing hides it until the next dropout, so let a shop read the stored data first.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  2. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  3. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  4. Nissan NTB-09-148: MIL on with P0840, P0845, P0744, P1777; replace control valve — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  5. Nissan NTB-10-016: MIL on with P0740, P0744, P0840, P1777 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. Nissan NTB19-040c: MIL on with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841 and others, may hesitate or lack power — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  7. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  8. Ford 14625: Check engine light with P0741 / P0744 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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