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P2744 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent (OBD2)

P2744 means "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent". The transmission fluid temperature sensor signal briefly drops out or jumps. The fault comes and goes – often with vibration, heat or moisture – so the part may test fine in the workshop.

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P2744 quick summary

Fault codeP2744
MeaningTransmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Yes, carefully. Shifts may be harsh and the gearbox may not protect itself from overheating – avoid towing and heavy loads.
Repair cost€40 – €600

How the transmission fluid temperature sensor works

The transmission fluid temperature sensor tells the control unit how warm the gearbox oil is, which affects shift quality, torque converter lock-up and overheating protection.

The sensor is a thermistor inside the gearbox, often part of the internal wiring harness or valve body. Cold fluid is thick, so the control unit adjusts shift pressures and timing; when the fluid is very hot, it changes the shift strategy and locks the torque converter to reduce heat.

Codes P0710–P0714 report circuit, range, low, high and intermittent faults. A wrong signal can cause harsh shifts when cold, no torque converter lock-up or limp mode.

Because the sensor is usually inside the gearbox, its replacement often involves draining fluid and removing the oil pan or the internal harness.

Symptoms of P2744

  • Harsh or delayed shifts, especially when cold
  • Torque converter does not lock up
  • Gearbox temperature display wrong
  • Limp mode
  • Check Engine or gearbox warning light

Most common causes of P2744 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

On many gearboxes the temperature sensor is part of the internal wiring harness – order the complete harness and replace the fluid and filter at the same time.

  1. 1.Loose or corroded connector pin

    Most likely

    Pins that have spread lose contact as the engine vibrates.

  2. 2.Chafed wire that shorts only now and then

    Often where the harness moves with the engine.

  3. 3.Internal intermittent fault in the transmission fluid temperature sensor

  4. 4.Failed fluid temperature sensor

  5. 5.Internal gearbox harness damage

  6. 6.Gearbox genuinely overheating (range faults)

  7. 7.Transmission control unit fault

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and compare temperatures

    Read the transmission codes. On a cold car, the fluid temperature should match coolant and air temperature.

  2. 2

    Do a wiggle test

    With the engine running and the transmission fluid temperature sensor value in live data, gently move the harness and connector. If the value jumps or the code returns, the fault is in that section. Also check pin tension with a matching terminal.

  3. 3

    Check the connector

    Check the gearbox connector for oil and corrosion.

  4. 4

    Measure the sensor

    Measure the sensor resistance through the gearbox connector at a known temperature.

    Multimeter: Typical NTC: several kΩ when cold, a few hundred ohms when hot – check the specification table.

  5. 5

    Check fluid condition

    Check the fluid level and smell – burnt fluid points to real overheating.

  6. 6

    Replace and adapt

    Replace the sensor or harness, refill with the correct fluid and run the gearbox adaptations.

How do I read fault codes? →Where the OBD2 port is, which scanner to use and how to read and clear codes step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P2744?

Yes, carefully. Shifts may be harsh and the gearbox may not protect itself from overheating – avoid towing and heavy loads.

How much does it cost to fix P2744?

Typical repair costs are 40 € – 600 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: loose or corroded connector pin; chafed wire that shorts only now and then; internal intermittent fault in the transmission fluid temperature sensor. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Why does fluid temperature affect shifting?

Cold fluid is thicker, so the gearbox needs different pressures and timing for smooth shifts.

Can I check the fluid temperature?

Yes, in live data with a scan tool that can read the transmission control unit.

What is the difference between P2744 and similar codes?

P2744 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0713 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input; P0714 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent; P2740 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'B' Circuit; P2741 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'B' Circuit Range/Performance; P2742 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'B' Circuit Low; P2743 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'B' Circuit High. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.