If your car is showing the P0944 engine code, there is a loss of pressure in your hydraulic pressure unit. This is an extremely serious issue and should be diagnosed immediately. If not, your car won’t move as the transmission will not engage.

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) help identify problems that your car engine is having. While an OBD-II code reader allows you to see which codes are active, you’ll need to understand what the different engine codes mean to evaluate the problem and find the solution.

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What does the engine code P0944 mean?

Definition: Loss of hydraulic pressure unit prime (loss of pressure)

The P0944 engine code indicates a problem with your car’s hydraulic pressure unit losing pressure, which is vital for providing hydraulic pressure to the motors, cylinders, and other parts of the hydraulic system.

This code is most commonly used by

Dodge

and

Jeep

vehicles as well as in some

Volkswagen

vehicles.

How much will it cost to fix?

Running a diagnostic for the P0944 will cost one hour of labor, which will come out to $75 to $150 per hour.

MORE:

How can I reduce the costs of car maintenance?

What can cause the P0944 engine code?

If your car is showing the P0944 engine code, there may be a faulty component in the transmission hydraulic pressure unit or pump which is causing a significant drop in pressure.

The hydraulic pressure unit includes a motor, fluid reservoir, and a pump to form a self-contained unit. The unit applies hydraulic pressure to drive the motors, cylinders, and other parts of the hydraulic system.

Other potential issues that could cause this engine code include:

Transmission fluid is low

Failure of the transmission pump

Blockage in a transmission fluid channel

Transmission cooler return filter is loose

Main regulator valve is stuck

Transmission filter or seal is cracked or incorrectly installed

MORE:

What does the check engine light mean?

Common symptoms of the P0944 engine code

You may not see many symptoms accompanying this engine code other than the

check engine light turning on

. Other potential signs to watch for include:

Delayed transmission shift

Transmission not shifting at all

How serious is the P0944 engine code?

The P0944 engine code is very serious and should be dealt with immediately since it is a transmission-related issue. Without fixing the problem, your car may be unable to move at all since the transmission is unable to engage.

Can I fix the P0944 engine code myself?

It may be possible to fix the P0944 engine code at home, but you must diagnose the issue correctly before beginning any repairs. Depending on the source of the problem, you may need to:

Replace a faulty pump

Replace a damaged or clogged transmission filter

Replace a damaged internal seal and topping off fluid

Refill the transmission fluid

Incorrectly performing these fixes could lead to high

car repair

costs. If you’re not sure what repairs your car needs, it’s a good idea to bring it to a professional for a thorough diagnostic inspection and repairs.

MORE:

How to decide if you should take your car to a repair shop or a mobile mechanic

Repairing the hydraulic pressure unit

If you do decide to repair the P0944 code yourself, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Identify the correct parts and transmission fluid your vehicle takes

Inspect the hydraulic pump unit to find any damaged components. Run the engine for a few minutes before checking the transmission fluid levels with the dipstick

Disconnect the car battery before any repairs

Clean the clogged transmission filter with disc brake cleaner and use a toothbrush to dislodge any particles stuck to the filter

Refill the transmission fluid through the dipstick hole until it reaches the “warm” line

MORE: Does car insurance cover engine failures?

Finding insurance for your vehicle

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