Trouble code P1744

[operator52]

Hello, I'm new to this site and I think I finally found where to post my queston. I own a 97 ranger 4.0 4wd. Trans sometimes shifts hard up and down and sometimes will throw a code P1744. Lately this has been happening more frequently around town but almost always if I drive it faster then about 65 on the freeway altho it doesn't always set a code. If when stopped I shut it off and restart the problem goes away for awhile. The code explaination I read is " Torque converter clutch solenoid circiut performance" can anyone translate that for me? The tranny shops around here are no help, they just tell me the tranny is failing and I better let them rebuild it right away. If thats the case then its been failing for quite sometime now. Not sure I trust their motives. Anyway if anyone have any input or advice they would care to share with me I'd love to hear it as this thing is really starting to frustate me

 

[ExplorerDMB]

my resources say: "Torque Converter Clutch System Stuck in Off Position"

Try google and see what comes up for that code

-Drew

 

[BillJ]

The TCC solenoid is checked functionally by evaluating torque converter slip under steady state conditions when the torque converter is locked. If the slip exceeds the malfunction thresholds when the TCC is commanded on, a TCC DTC is stored (P1744). If there is no slip when the TCC is commanded off, a TCC DTC is stored (P1742).

See the following:

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/diagnostics/pdf/obdsm972.pdf

 

[operator52]

Thanks guys, Between all the research I've done and this forum, (Which I found by googling that trouble code I might add) I am starting to form a picture in my head of what might be going on inside the tranny. It might be time to replace the tcc solenoid and thanks to the pictures provided by glacier in the sticky's I now know where it is. I will check out that link provided by BillJ for further research before I tear into the thing and start playing checkbook troubleshooting. This forum has been of immence help so far. Anyone with more info or ideas please don't hesitate to jump right in. Thanks again and stay tuned

 

[Glacier991]

Both the EPC solenoid and the TCC solenoid in these trannies are what is called PWM or Pulse Width Modulated. They, in essence are constantly trying to adjust output pressures based on computer inputs, so as to in essence, control the shifting and "feel" of the transmission's shifts.

While it is an interesting idea conceptually, the wear on those solenoids is greatly increased over the more common "on-off" variety. In addition, in the main control unit (FORD's new term for a valve body) the bores and spools affected by that constantly varying pressure also bear an increased wear factor.

While your situation might be simply fixed by replacing the TCC solenoid, there could be valve body issues as well. So...try the Solenoid replacement first and keep your fingers crossed. In my rebuilding of 5R55E Valve Bodies that particular bore is the biggest headache. I am now starting to resleeve it more or less routinely just because.

Also these trannies rely heavily of the properties of the fluid (Merc V) and fluid needs to be refreshed more frequently than I think FORD will admit.

Frequent fluid changes (every 30,000 miles or so) will lengthen their life. I know Merc V ain't cheap, but it's a bunch cheaper than a rebuild.

 

[operator52]

Once again thank you to all who have helped me on this problem I am really starting to understand however the more I understand the more questions I come up with. No.1 is why the hard shifts is it because the PCM is telling the EPC there's a problem and to increase pressure and if thats the case then does that mean the EPC is working or should I replace that as well as The TCC solenoid since the info you guys have given says that is also a high wear item, also since the tranny will be opened up anyway should I put a VB kit in it (if so can u recommened one) or should I use the old "if it ain't broke don't fix it" theory also Glacier, you stated that you resleeve the TCC bore almost always-what does that involve (machine work or just prees out the old and press in the new) and where do I get that sleeve if I need it. The solenoids I found at transmissionpartsusa.com. The whole point of this is that this is my only work transportation so I'll have to do it on a weekend and I want to be as prepared as possible before I start cause I don't think i'm gonna be able to just run down to the autoparts store for anything more than a pan gasket, filter and fluid. Any other info anyone can give I'm all ears. PS anyone got an idea why this problem goes away for awhile if I simply shut the engine off then restart? I'm thinking the solenoid sticks and when you take electrical and/or hyd. power away it releases, Just a theory

 

[Glacier991]

At the top in the "stickies" section, there is a thread entitled 5R55E Valve Body Rebuild Diary. I commend it to your reading. All your questions will have answers there - except the sleeving question. That requires some rather expensive reamers and a jig.

 

[operator52]

Can anyone tell me if I need to pull the valve body in order to replace the TCC solenoid in a 5R55E trans

 

[Glacier991]

No. just remove the bracket, slide it out and slide the new one in and replace the bracket. Fluid bath not included.

 

[operator52]

Great, Thanks Glacier I was hoping it would be that simple however the fluid bath is something I was counting on

 

[detroitdiesel95]

Flashing 4WD, 4WD Low

Hey was just wondering if anyone would no the touble code for a simultaneuosly flashing 4WD, 4WD Low indicator on my dash. These would be the same indicators that come on when the dial is set in 4Wheel high or Low respectively. They now have recently started flashing together six times with about a two minute interval. I wonderd if the fuse for the auto setting had gone out so I tried to accel quickly on some ice nearby but the front to wheels kicked in as designed, so the 4Wheel Auto setting was functioning fine, as well as 4W high and Low settings. These amber indiactor lights are still flashing though. Would Auto Zones or Advance free ODB service be able to give a code ??