HomeTrouble CodesP2744

P2744 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor B Circuit Intermittent

Manufacturer-specificPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P2744 means the powertrain control module has detected an intermittent signal from the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor “B” circuit. The PCM expects a stable voltage or resistance that corresponds to fluid temperature, but the reading drops in and out or jumps unpredictably. This can affect shift timing, torque-converter lockup, and overheating protection strategies.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor B

The sensor element or its internal wiring can develop intermittent resistance or open-circuit as it heats up or vibrates. This is the most common root cause of an intermittent circuit code.

2. Wiring or connector intermittent fault

Loose, corroded, or damaged terminals, chafed wires, or a poor harness connection to the sensor can cause the signal to cut in and out, especially with engine movement, heat, or moisture.

3. Internal transmission harness or pass-through fault

On units where the sensor is inside the transmission or valve body, the internal harness, bulkhead connector, or solenoid pack wiring can flex and fatigue, producing intermittent contact.

4. Fluid condition or contamination affecting the sensor

Burned, degraded, or conductive contamination on the sensor tip can disturb its thermal response or create erratic readings, though it more often sets rationality or range codes.

5. Powertrain control module fault

A PCM issue is possible but uncommon; it should only be considered after the sensor, wiring, and connectors have been ruled out.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Retrieve all stored codes and review freeze-frame data to confirm the fault occurs with specific temperature or vibration conditions.
  2. Inspect the transmission fluid level, condition, and odor; check the external sensor connector for corrosion, pushed-out pins, moisture, and wire chafing near the transmission.
  3. Compare live-data TFT sensor B readings to sensor A (if equipped) and to an infrared thermometer; look for sudden jumps, dropouts, or readings stuck at extreme values.
  4. Perform a wiggle test on the sensor harness while monitoring the signal to reproduce the intermittent fault and isolate the affected section.
  5. Measure the sensor resistance/voltage against the manufacturer specification at known temperatures; replace the sensor if it fails repeatable testing.
  6. Verify PCM reference voltage and ground to the sensor circuit; address wiring faults first, and consider PCM replacement or reprogramming only as a last resort.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationManufacturer-specific (P1/B1/C1/U1)

Frequently asked

Do I need a new transmission computer for P2744?

Usually not. This code is most often caused by a failing TFT sensor B, a loose or corroded connector, or a wiring fault. PCM failure is a last-resort diagnosis after the sensor and circuit have been thoroughly tested.

What is transmission fluid temperature sensor B?

It is a second temperature sensor, often located in the valve body, solenoid pack, or transmission pan, separate from sensor A. It gives the PCM an additional fluid-temperature input for shift and cooling control.

Is it safe to keep driving with P2744?

Short trips are generally okay if the transmission shifts normally, but avoid heavy loads or towing. An intermittent false reading can lead to harsh shifting or overheating protection modes without warning.

Why is the code intermittent rather than a hard circuit fault?

An intermittent code typically points to a connection or component that fails only under heat, vibration, or movement, such as a cracked sensor element, loose terminal, or flexing internal harness.