P0776 Code: Pressure Control Solenoid B Perf / Off

An automatic transmission is able to change gears using solenoids that manage fluid pressure between the hydraulic circuits in the transmission assembly. When the powertrain control module detects that there is something wrong with one of these solenoids, the P0776 code might appear when you plug in a scan tool.

What Does the P0776 Code Mean?

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0776 stands for “Pressure Control Solenoid B Perf/Off.” It is a generic, transmission-related trouble code that typically applies to vehicles that are equipped with an electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Most automatic transmissions have three solenoid groups that are labeled as A, B, and C. The PCM controls these solenoids to direct fluid at the appropriate pressure to various hydraulic circuits. These pressure changes cause the transmission to change gear ratios at the correct timing. The P0776 is triggered by the PCM when the pressure control solenoid “B” is not functioning properly, or is stuck in the “off” position.

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Pro Tip: There are two aspects of control solenoids, i.e., electrical and mechanical. Typically, if the ECM/PCM detects no electrical fault in the solenoid circuit but rationality checks indicate that the mechanical part of the solenoid isn’t responding as commanded, a fault is set that identifies a “performance” problem with that solenoid.

Note: The definition of the P0776 code may be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.

What are the Possible Causes of the P0776 Code?

As mentioned in the definition, the code can be triggered when the PCM detects that the pressure control solenoid is faulty or defective. However, there are also other possible causes including:

• Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid
• Dirty or clogged transmission fluid filter
• Defective pressure control solenoid
• Defective transmission fluid pump
• Defective transmission valve body
• Hydraulic passages are restricted
• Faulty or damaged solenoid wiring
• Faulty PCM

What are the Common Symptoms of the P0776 Code?

The symptoms of the P0776 code are mostly transmission-related:

• Illuminated check engine light
• The vehicle enters limp mode
• Transmission slips when shifting
• Transmission overheating
• Transmission jerking
• Decreased fuel economy

How to Diagnose the P0776 Code

Even though you’ve identified the P0776 code using a scan tool, identifying whether the problem is actually caused by a faulty pressure control solenoid or not might still be difficult. Vehicle transmissions are often located under the vehicle and require a lot of time and labor to be able to disassemble and inspect. To get a proper diagnosis, you may want to consult a professional. If you want to learn more about how to diagnose and replace your vehicle’s pressure control solenoid, you can check out the video below.

How to Fix the P0776 Code

Before you start working on any repair, you first need to have an accurate diagnosis. This is because the fix you’re going to perform will depend on your diagnosis. There isn’t an all-encompassing fix for any OBD-II code. As listed above, there are a variety of possible causes for this OBD-II code, so there are also many possible fixes.

Once you’ve accurately identified the issue causing the P0776 code, you can consult online auto repair resources and how-to guides for possible fixes.

A fix for an OBD-II code for one vehicle may not be applicable for another because all vehicles are different. As a result, you should consult your vehicle’s repair manual when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing diagnostic trouble codes. Chilton repair manuals may also be useful. However, ALLDATA subscriptions are even better, as they provide detailed factory repair information for drivers who want to do repairs themselves.