What P0776 means
The transmission computer is asking for hydraulic pressure on one of its circuits, called B, but the pressure stays too low. The solenoid itself works electrically, so the cause is usually low or worn fluid, a sticking valve, or wear inside the transmission. What circuit B controls depends on the transmission; on a CVT it can be the pressure that clamps the belt.
How the engine computer detects it
Pressure control solenoids are current-controlled proportional valves, and what B and C mean depends on the design: on GM's clutch-to-clutch automatics they are the pressure valves of clutches 2 and 3, on GM's CVT B is primary pulley pressure and C line pressure, on Jatco CVTs B is the secondary pressure valve, on Saab's AF40 B and C are clutch valves SLC1/SLC2. P0776 means the valve is electrically fine but pressure stays too low. GM's 8-speed flags gear slip of 400 rpm for 1.5 s three times, the 9-speed clutch 2 slip over 200 rpm for 3 s, the CVT primary pressure below 200 kPa (29 psi) for 3 s – all after one trip. Mitsubishi's Jatco CVT flags secondary pressure 1.2 MPa off target; Nissan's bulletin calls for a mechanical CVT repair, a GM 6T70 bulletin a broken wave spring. Slipping, missing gears or lack of drive and limp mode follow.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Slipping or missing gears
- CVT: hesitation, lack of power
- Limp mode
- Check engine light
Common causes
- Clutch, return spring or piston seal of the assigned clutch faulty Most likely
- Valve body or pressure valve dirty or worn Most likely
- CVT belt or pulley damaged (CVT) Possible
- Fluid level low, fluid worn, filter clogged Possible
How to diagnose P0776
- Have all transmission codes read with a scanner that reads the transmission module. Other stored codes help narrow down the cause.
- Check the fluid level and condition the way your owner's manual describes. Many newer transmissions have no dipstick, so a shop may need to check it at the right temperature.
- Look up service bulletins and software updates for your transmission. Some have known repairs for this code.
- If the fluid is old or dirty, ask the shop whether a fluid and filter service makes sense. Use only the fluid type the maker specifies, especially on a CVT.
- A shop can compare commanded and actual pressure or clutch slip on a scanner to tell a sticking valve from worn clutches or a damaged CVT belt.
- If clutches, the belt or pulleys are worn, the fix is a transmission repair or replacement, not a new solenoid.
Vehicles that report P0776 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | 2009–2019 | 34 | 71k | |
| Nissan Rogue | 2016–2019 | 11 | — | |
| Saturn Outlook | 2007–2008 | 7 | 77k | |
| Honda Ridgeline | 2017–2019 | 6 | — | |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 2010–2014 | 4 | 86k | |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2010–2011 | 4 | 80k | |
| Honda Pilot | 2016–2017 | 4 | — | |
| Saturn Vue | 2008 | 3 | 74k | |
| Infiniti QX60 | 2014–2018 | 3 | — | |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 2015–2017 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0776 (107 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 7
- Transmission
- 76
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0776?
Drive as little as possible. Low pressure lets clutches or a CVT belt slip, and every mile of slipping adds wear. If the engine revs without the car speeding up, or the car hesitates to pull away, have it towed.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0776?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0776. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
- P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)18 complaints
- P0965Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit Range/Performance8 complaints
- P0717Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal6 complaints
- P0716Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance5 complaints
- P0777Pressure Control Solenoid B Stuck On5 complaints
- P2715Pressure Control Solenoid D Stuck On5 complaints
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.