P1744 on Ford
Torque Converter Clutch System Performance
P1744 on Ford vehicles indicates torque converter clutch system performance. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Ford models — most commonly on Aerostar, Windstar. This transmission code means the torque converter clutch (TCC) system is not performing as expected — the lockup clutch inside the torque converter is slipping or not engaging and disengaging properly. The TCC mechanically links the engine to the transmission at cruising speeds to improve efficiency, and the computer monitors slip between engine and transmission speeds to verify it. Excess slip or improper engagement sets this code. You may feel shuddering, RPM that won't settle at cruise, or reduced fuel economy. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $400 to $3,100, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P1744
- •Worn or failing torque converter / lockup clutch
- •Faulty TCC solenoid
- •Low or degraded/contaminated transmission fluid
- •Dirty valve body or stuck valve affecting TCC apply
- •Damaged TCC solenoid wiring or connector
- •Internal transmission wear causing excess slip
- •Faulty transmission control module (less common)
P1744 on Ford by Model
Ford Aerostar(1 issue)
- A4LD Automatic Transmission Premature Failure1990-1997
The Ford A4LD 4-speed automatic transmission used in early Aerostars (and the 4R44E/4R55E in later models) is known as one of Ford's weakest automatic transmissions. The overdrive band and servo fail prematurely, causing loss of overdrive. The forward clutch pack also wears rapidly, causing no-drive conditions. The valve body develops wear in the separator plate, causing erratic shifting. The transmission was originally designed for the lighter Ranger and is marginal for the heavier Aerostar, especially the AWD version.
Ford Windstar(1 issue)
- AX4S/AX4N Automatic Transmission Failure1996-2003
The Ford Windstar equipped with the AX4S (1995-2000) and AX4N/4F50N (2001-2003) automatic transmissions suffers from widespread premature transmission failure. CarComplaints.com records 140 complaints for the 2000 model year alone, and 166 problems for the 2003 model year, making transmission failure the single most reported problem for the Windstar. The AX family of transmissions in the Windstar struggles with lubrication problems, harsh 1-2 and 2-1 gear changes, torque converter clutch issues, and catastrophic internal failures. The torque converter clutch solenoid is a particularly weak point, causing shuddering and codes P0741 and P1744. Average repair cost is $2,190 at 102,200 miles according to CarComplaints.com data. Many owners report needing a complete transmission replacement or rebuild, with costs ranging from $1,750 to $3,100.
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View P1744 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P1744 mean on Ford?▼
P1744 stands for "Torque Converter Clutch System Performance." This transmission code means the torque converter clutch (TCC) system is not performing as expected — the lockup clutch inside the torque converter is slipping or not engaging and disengaging properly. The TCC mechanically links the engine to the transmission at cruising speeds to improve efficiency, and the computer monitors slip between engine and transmission speeds to verify it. Excess slip or improper engagement sets this code. You may feel shuddering, RPM that won't settle at cruise, or reduced fuel economy. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P1744 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Worn or failing torque converter / lockup clutch, Faulty TCC solenoid, Low or degraded/contaminated transmission fluid, Dirty valve body or stuck valve affecting TCC apply, Damaged TCC solenoid wiring or connector. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P1744 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $400 to $3,100, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P1744 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P1744 on 2 Ford models: Aerostar, Windstar.