AutoCodes – Pontiac – P1844 Pontiac

P1844 Pontiac Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Intermittent

Quick Answer

The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) release switch is part of the automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Faulty Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A'. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1844 Pontiac indicates Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Intermittent.
Common causes: Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Faulty Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A'.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,312

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 30, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1844 Pontiac Description

The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) release switch is part of the automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. The TFP manual valve position switch is mounted to the transmission valve body. The TCC release switch is a normally-closed switch.
When the TCC is released, TCC release fluid pressure opens the TCC release switch which opens the TCC release pressure circuit. When the voltage on the circuit is high (switch open), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) recognizes that the TCC is no longer engaged.

OBDII Code P1844 Pontiac - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Intermittent - AutoCodes.com — P1844 Pontiac Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Intermittent

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1844 Pontiac?

Low transmission fluid level
Dirty transmission fluid
Faulty Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A'
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' harness or connectors
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' circuit is open or shorted
Transmission internal mechanical problem

How to Fix the DTC P1844 Pontiac?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1844 Pontiac code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1844 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1844 mean for a Pontiac?

P1844 indicates an intermittent issue with the Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' circuit, which monitors hydraulic pressure in the transmission.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P1844 code?

Symptoms may include erratic shifting, slipping transmission, harsh gear changes, or the vehicle going into limp mode, along with the check engine light.

3. What causes the P1844 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, low or dirty transmission fluid, or issues with the transmission control module (TCM).

4. Can low transmission fluid trigger the P1844 code?

Yes, low or contaminated transmission fluid can cause sensor malfunctions, leading to the P1844 code being set.

5. How can I diagnose the P1844 code?

Start by inspecting the transmission fluid level and condition, checking for damaged wiring or loose connections near the pressure sensor, and testing the sensor for proper operation with a multimeter.

6. Is it safe to drive with a P1844 code?

Driving with a P1844 code is not recommended, as it can lead to transmission damage if the issue isn't addressed promptly.

7. How do I fix the P1844 code on my Pontiac?

Repairs may involve replacing the transmission fluid pressure sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, flushing and refilling the transmission fluid, or reprogramming the TCM if necessary.

8. How much does it cost to fix a P1844 code?

The cost can vary, but sensor replacement typically ranges from $150 to $400, depending on labor and parts. Wiring repairs or fluid service may cost less.

9. Can a faulty TCM cause the P1844 code?

Yes, a malfunctioning TCM can send incorrect signals to the pressure sensor or fail to interpret the sensor's data properly, triggering the code.

10. How do I prevent the P1844 code from recurring?

Regularly maintain your transmission by changing the fluid as recommended, inspecting the wiring for damage, and addressing transmission issues promptly to avoid further complications.