P0744

Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit Intermittent

Car Fault Codes Transmission

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a workshop

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 5 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 2,500

What it means

The transmission control module (TCM) has detected that the torque converter clutch solenoid circuit signal drops out and returns intermittently. This points to an unstable electrical connection affected by vibration or heat, so lockup comes and goes while driving.

Symptoms4

Engine speed rises and falls suddenly at steady speed without any pedal change.
Light surges felt while cruising on the highway.
Check engine light that comes and goes.
Higher fuel consumption.

Possible causes6

Loose or corroded pin in the transmission connector.
Wire cracked inside its insulation that opens with vibration or engine movement.
Heat-affected internal harness with an unstable connection.
Solenoid coil that fails when hot and recovers when cool.
Weak ground for the transmission computer or engine.
Intermittent fault inside the computer (rare).

How to diagnose5

Review freeze frame data to see the temperature and speed when the code set.
With the engine running, gently wiggle the connector and harness while watching the circuit status on a scan tool (wiggle test).
Inspect connector pins for spreading or corrosion and check their grip.
Measure solenoid resistance cold and again when hot, and compare both readings with the manufacturer specification.
Inspect and clean the engine and computer ground points.

How to fix6

Clean the connector and tighten or replace damaged pins.
Repair the cracked wire and secure the harness so it cannot move.
Clean and tighten ground points.
Replace the internal harness or the solenoid if the fault is proven to appear with heat.
Test or replace the computer only after wiring and solenoid are ruled out.
Clear the codes, drive in conditions like those when the code set, and confirm it does not return.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low when a loose pin or weak ground is the cause, and rises if the transmission must be opened to replace the internal harness or the solenoid.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Why does the code disappear and come back?

Because the electrical connection is affected by vibration or heat, so the solenoid works sometimes and fails at other times, a common pattern with loose pins and cracked wires.

Is clearing the code enough if the symptoms go away?

No, intermittent faults usually return. Find the cause in the connector and wiring before it becomes a permanent fault or overheats the fluid.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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