p0944 loss of hydraulic pump prime factory
The P0944 code is defined as a loss of pressure or “prime” for the transmission’s hydraulic pump. It is most common with Dodge/Jeep vehicles, but is also used by some other manufacturers, including Volkswagen.
If your car’s Check Engine Light comes on and the P0944 code is stored, it means that the computer has noticed a significant drop in transmission pressure and that the pump has both lost its prime and failed the prime test. The prime test is run when the transmission slips while in any forward gear, and a no pressure situation is indicated by all pressure switches.
While the P0944 code indicates a loss of pressure and prime at the pump, there are a number of actual causes for the problem. These include the following:
There may be one or more symptoms experienced with the P0944 code, depending on the severity of the situation and how long it has existed. Symptoms can include:
Diagnosing the P0944 code starts by connecting a handheld diagnostic scanner to the car’s computer. The mechanic will read all the codes stored in the computer. Generally, the codes will be cleared and the vehicle test driven to determine if the codes will reset.
The mechanic will also conduct a shift lever position test using a scan tool. If the shift lever position test is passed, the mechanic will move on to testing the pressure in the transmission line. This is done with a scan tool and the engine operating, with the transmission in park. Note that the transmission should be at operating temperature for this test to be accurate. Depending on the results of this test, the mechanic may also need to test the transmission line pressure in both drive and reverse using the scan tool.
The mechanic may also need to check the internal seal for signs of leakage. If there are signs of a leak, the seal will need to be replaced. If there are no signs of leakage, the pump may need to be replaced. It may also be necessary to remove the transmission fluid pan and inspect the filter for signs of damage.
One of the most common mistakes with the P0944 code is not allowing the transmission to come to normal operating temperature before testing pressure. This is necessary because fluid pressures are higher when the transmission is cold, which can cause false negatives to the test.
The P0944 code is very serious, and it should be diagnosed and repaired immediately. If the problem is left unhandled, it could result in a situation in which the transmission will not engage at all, meaning that your car will not move.
Transmission related problems are always serious concerns. If you’ve noticed the Check Engine Light on and transmission operation problems, it is vital to have the situation diagnosed immediately. However, note that P0944 is not used by all manufacturers, so it is possible to experience similar symptoms but not have this particular code stored in the computer.
YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.
The P0944 DTC is often used on VW and Chrysler Corp. vehicles when the transmission pump stops making hydraulic pressure. This is a serious OBD2 code, and should be addressed immediately.
The P0944 diagnostic trouble code is actually one of the most severe transmission OBDII trouble codes that you can have. If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, it will literally not be able to function. When this happens, severe internal damage will occur.
The best way to diagnose a P0944 OBDII trouble code, is to perform a transmission line pressure test. This will tell the technician whether or not the transmission pump is creating enough hydraulic pressure.
The P0944 DTC is often used on VW and Chrysler Corp. vehicles when the transmission pump stops making hydraulic pressure. This is a serious OBD2 code, and should be addressed immediately.
The P0944 diagnostic trouble code is actually one of the most severe transmission OBDII trouble codes that you can have. If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, it will literally not be able to function. When this happens, severe internal damage will occur.
The best way to diagnose a P0944 OBDII trouble code, is to perform a transmission line pressure test. This will tell the technician whether or not the transmission pump is creating enough hydraulic pressure.
The Loss of Prime Test is used to prevent transmission defaults and erroneous fault codes during temporary loss of pump prime that may occur with low transmission fluid under severe braking conditions, start-up, etc. and to point towards more subtle problems such as a plugged or ruptured oil filter. The Loss of Prime fault is set by a loss of hydraulic pressure in the transmission system. This condition, if sustained, will result in the vehicle being unable to move.
This bulletin involves verifying the build date of the transmission, and if necessary, the replacement of both the cooler return and sump filters in the transmission.
The customer may experience an initial delayed shift engagement following an extended off (not running) period of time, generally after being parked overnight. The initial shift engagement may feel like a delay or slip when a transmission gear (reverse or drive) is first selected after engine start.
The customer may also experience a MIL illumination. Investigation may determine that the MIL is due to one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DIG"s):
The delayed engagement and MIL condition (DTC"s) may be caused by a suspect transmission cooler return filter with a part number of 04799662AB. A suspect 04799662AB cooler return filter may cause the transmission sump filter to split at its plastic-to-metal crimp. If the transmission sump filter becomes split at the crimp, then one or more of the above DTC"s may also occur.
3. Inspect for the transmission build date (Julian date) (Fig. 1). The transmission build date can be determined by inspection of the 20 digit transmission identification number (DDDYxxxxxPpartnumber). The transmission identification number is stamped on the left side (driver side) of the transmission oil pan flange. The first four (4) digits of the transmission identification number are the transmission build date, in Julian date format. An example of a transmission identification number would be 101510492P52119684AA. The first three digits ( 101 ) of the identification number equal the day of the year, in this case 101 equals April 11. The fourth digit ( 5 ) of the identification number equals the calendar year, in this case 5 equals 2005. So 1015 equals April 11, 2005.
5. If the vehicle has the above condition, and if the transmission Julian build date is on or between the range of dates listed above, perform the Repair Procedure.
DO NOT use a replacement cooler return filter with a part number of 04799662AB. This filter is suspect of causing the above condition. The cooler return filter part number is stenciled on the side of the filter"s metal case.
Always install the sump filter seal to the bottom of the transmission oil pump first, then install the sump filter to the oil pump and previously installed seal. DO NOT install the sump filter seal to the sump filter and then attempt to install both to the oil pump.
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