P0776: Pressure Control Solenoid B Performance/Stuck Off
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Briefly and gently - a pressure control fault means some clutch inside is being fed the wrong pressure, and slipping clutches convert miles into friction material.
Symptoms
- Slipping or flaring between gears
- Harsh engagement of specific gears
- Limp mode
- Fluid that smells burned in advanced cases
Likely causes, most common first
- Solenoid B stuck by varnish or debris
- Degraded or low transmission fluid
- Valve body wear letting pressure bleed off
- Internal leak in the affected clutch circuit
Read P0776 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0776 is a performance complaint, not an electrical one: solenoid B responds electrically, but the pressure it is supposed to regulate never follows the command. The computer infers this from gear ratio errors - it commanded a shift, pressure should have applied a clutch, and the ratio math says the clutch is slipping.
Because the solenoid is hydraulic at heart, fluid is both suspect number one and the cheapest experiment. Varnish from old fluid gums the solenoid's tiny valve; debris jams it; low level starves it. A proper fluid and filter service cures a meaningful share of these codes outright. If the code returns, the solenoid itself and then the valve body passages it lives in are next - and at that stage a transmission specialist's pressure test tells you whether you are fixing a solenoid or negotiating with a rebuild.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0776
“The transmision failed with 120,000 miles, Code P0776 "solenoid B Performance/stuck Off, vehicle goes into limp mode and it shifts really hard but never goes past 3rd gear, the recomended fixes by the shop are replace solenoid pack whith NO garantee that it would fix the issue for $3,000, or replace transmision with a rebuilt one for $9,000. There is a recall for the torque converter on this trucks but it has to generate a different code. Honda will not honor any warranty on this vehicle.”2017 Honda Ridgeline · Mar 2026
“Had issues transitioning to reverse, drove vehicle to the dealership. While driving on a busy road vehicle went into limp mode and had to pull over. Vehicle needed to be towed to the dealership. Dealership was able to verify vehicle was unable to reverse. They also found P0700 and P0776 error codes. They also used service bulletin 22-NA-258. We had not noticed excessively harsh shifting prior to this event. Had to replace components in the valve body”2022 Chevrolet Tahoe · Mar 2026
“Stalling on Highway, hesitation at lights. Engine Light came on. Signals transmission codes P0776 and Judder P17F1. Consider this a defective part by Nissan. This should be covered by Nissan as a Transmission Recall. NHTSA, this is unacceptable someone could be seriously hurt, or fatality could happen due to a defective transmission.”2017 Nissan Rogue Sport · Oct 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“When I was driving on the road my rear control arm broke. I didn't realize at first what was actually broken until I looked under the car later on and it looked like my control arm eroded over time and just snapped my wheel was shaking so bad my vertigo started. I do have a recall on the lower suspension link. As well as two other things that are not shown here. ALTIMA HOOD LATCH NTB21-055 ALTIMA LOWER LINK NTB19-082 ALT RGE CVT P0776 NTB16-121”2013 Nissan Altima · May 2025
“Wife was driving to pick up the kids from school and the transmission started to shudder then doesn't move at all until the vehicle is shut off for about an hour then it'll start to move again but barely codes reading P0776, P0965. Also the service 4x4 came up on the dash and it fells as if something is holding it back as you drive.”2013 Nissan Pathfinder · May 2024
“component: transmission. Not available for inspection - has since been rebuilt. Rebuilder noted leaking 3rd gear clutch seal + failed valve body. safety risk: suddenly unable to accelerate or maintain speed until the vehicle is stopped and restarted. problem recreation: by independent service center inspection: by independent service center warnings: Shift flare on 2-3 upshift & hard engagement. Then dash warning light. Error code: P0776 AT Clutch pressure control solenoid valve B stuck off”2017 Honda Ridgeline · Mar 2024
“While driving the vehicle on 27 September 2023 the check engine/transmission light came on, and the vehicle down shifted and loss the ability to accelerate, started to drive rough causing a safety hazard in traffic. Took the vehicle to the dealership Southern (formerly Hall) Chevrolet Chesapeake, VA where purchased because I have an extended warranty. Diagnostic was performed, which idendified codes P0776, P0717, P0700. Technician states vehicle is not driveable and needs a new transmission. The vehicle is a 2019 Siverado 1500 LTZ Z71 Crew Cab with approximately 90,290+ miles.”2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Sep 2023
“Check engine light P0776 Pressure control sol B. Recommend replace CVT unit due to internal failure. Mileage: 109,422 This vehicle was covered by the extended warranty to 84 months or 84,000 miles. It failed at 109.422 miles. This is shocking and unacceptable and expensive! Approximately $6,000 to repair/replace transmission which made the vehicle more costly than its trade in value. Repair estimate performed by South Austin Nissan. Contacted manufacturer and was referred to the Kbb class action website for information.”2017 Nissan Rogue · Jul 2023
“CVT failed while driving on a busy inclined highway (towards Denver Airport) without any prior warning or check engine alert. The car came to a complete stop before I can judge the problem and pull over. Got it towed to the nearest Nissan service center (Tynan's Nissan, Denver) where they identified code P0776 and P17F0 after inspection. The check engine light turned amber only after the car came to a complete stop.”2016 Nissan Altima · Sep 2022
“Car purchased 5/21/2021 Experienced delayed acceleration twice after stopping, after approximately 2-4 seconds vehicle picked up momentum..Approximately 7days later engine light came on. 6/5/21 tool vehicle to Auto zone for diagnostic check received code P0776. Then took it took certified mechanic 6/7/2021 received same code report stating that belt is worn in the transmission and will eventually fail.”2017 Nissan Altima · May 2021
Cars that report P0776 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0776?
Briefly and gently - a pressure control fault means some clutch inside is being fed the wrong pressure, and slipping clutches convert miles into friction material.
How much does it cost to fix P0776?
Typical US repair costs range from $150 for the simplest fix (transmission fluid and filter service) to $1,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0776. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.