P0744
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
The TCC circuit is producing intermittent faults - lock-up engages and disengages erratically at highway speed
🟡 Medium Severity 💰 $80–$1,800 Repair Cost ⚠ Shudder at Highway Speed
REPORTS THIS MONTH
19,300
across all makes/models
📟
P0744 often shows up as a shudder around 40–55 mph. The TCC is engaging and disengaging rapidly. A simple ATF flush with the right friction-modifier additive sometimes clears the shudder. If not, electrical or mechanical fault inside the trans is the cause. ATF on Amazon ↑

🗺️ Where Is the Problem?

ENGINE CAT MUFFLER CYLINDER #1 - MISFIRE ← SPARK PLUG / COIL / INJECTOR
Blueprint view - P0744 fault localized to the transmission control system / solenoid body
⚠️
These are statistical causes across ALL vehicles - your exact car may rank differently
For example, on a Honda 4-cyl the downstream O2 sensor causes P0744 64% of the time, but on a GM 5.3L V8 the catalytic converter is the cause 71% of the time. Get a probability ranking built specifically for your year, make, model, and mileage.
🔎 Get the ranking for my exact car - $5.99 →

🎯 Top Causes & Probability

50%
#1 - Most Likely
Worn TCC Friction Material
The torque converter's lock-up clutch friction material is worn, glazed, or contaminated. Causes the classic 45 mph shudder. ATF flush with friction modifier sometimes helps; severe cases need a torque converter replacement.
🔩 Part
$200–$700
👨‍🔧 Labor
$800–$1,800
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Hard
30%
#2 - Check First
Intermittent Wiring/Connector
A wiggle in the trans connector or chafed harness causes the TCC to drop out unpredictably. Cheap fix if found - clean the connector and re-secure the harness.
🔩 Part
$15–$80
👨‍🔧 Labor
$100–$280
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Medium
20%
#3 - Less Common
Failing TCC Solenoid
The TCC solenoid is on its way out - resistance is in spec at rest but drifts under heat. Replacement requires pan drop.
🔩 Part
$30–$150
👨‍🔧 Labor
$300–$650
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Hard

Get AI Diagnosis for Your Exact Vehicle

Enter your year, make, model, and symptoms - get a pinpoint diagnosis with repair steps, parts list, and cost estimate in 30 seconds.

CodeP0744🔒
Select your car for a vehicle-specific diagnosis

🚗 Most Affected Vehicles

VehicleFrequencyAvg Repair CostTypical Mileage
Honda Accord (5-spd, 2003–2007)🔴 Very High$1,200110k–170k mi
Chevrolet Silverado (4L60E, 2001–2007)🟠 High$680110k–190k mi
Ford Taurus (AX4N, 2000–2007)🟠 High$760120k–190k mi
Jeep Grand Cherokee (45RFE, 2005–2010)🟠 High$840110k–180k mi
Toyota Camry (5-spd, 2002–2006)🟨 Moderate$580130k–200k mi

🔧 Step-by-Step Diagnosis

  1. Try a fluid flush with friction modifier - Honda especially: a fluid change with the correct ATF often clears mild TCC shudder for thousands of miles. Wrong fluid spec will make it worse instantly.
  2. Watch for shudder at exactly 40–55 mph - Light throttle at lock-up engagement is when TCC issues appear. Shudder there confirms TCC; smooth there points to other causes.
🔒Steps 3+ are specific to YOUR exact vehicle
  • 3Exact pressure / resistance specs for your transmission - generic values miss real failures.
  • 4Connector locations and pin-outs for your trans pan - saves 30+ minutes of guessing.
  • 5Live data target values to compare against your scan tool readings - tells you if a part is actually bad.
  • +Specific OEM part numbers - the ones that fit your year/make/model without guesswork.
Get steps for your exact vehicle →

📍 Find a Trusted Shop Near You

Please enter a valid 5-digit ZIP code.

Tips for Choosing a Shop

  • Ask if they charge a diagnostic fee and whether it applies toward the repair
  • Request a written estimate before approving any work
  • Ask specifically about the part brand - OEM vs. aftermarket matters for this code
  • Check Google reviews for recent mentions of the specific repair you need

Get AI Diagnosis for Your Exact Vehicle

Enter your year, make, model, and symptoms - get a pinpoint diagnosis with repair steps, parts list, and cost estimate in 30 seconds.

CodeP0744🔒
Select your car for a vehicle-specific diagnosis
Stop guessing · Get the fix
Spend $5.99 instead of $1,400 on the wrong part
P0744 can have multiple causes. Replacing the wrong one is the most expensive mistake you can make. Get an AI-ranked diagnosis built for your exact year, make, and model in 30 seconds.
All 3 most likely causes ranked by probability
Step-by-step repair guide for your engine
Specific OEM part numbers (not generic)
Labor hours & total cost estimate
Mechanic-ready printable summary
Recalls & TSBs for your VIN
$5.99
One-time · instant
🔎 Run my P0744 diagnosis →
💯
100% money-back guarantee. If the diagnosis doesn't help you fix your car, reply to your receipt email and we'll refund you in full. No questions.
🔭
30 sec
Average diagnosis time
💬
Plain English
No mechanic jargon
🛡
NHTSA
Verified vehicle data
As an Amazon Associate AmpAuto earns from qualifying purchases. · Affiliate Disclosure · Privacy · Terms