P0776 Pressure control solenoid B not working as expected or stuck off

Pressure control solenoid B performance or stuck off

P0776 in short

P0776 means the transmission computer commanded pressure control solenoid B but the hydraulic pressure did not respond as expected. On Nissan CVTs it is tied to pressure loss and belt slip, and GM links it to clutch and sensor faults. Have it inspected soon, and check for a bulletin first.

Pressure control solenoids set the hydraulic pressure that applies clutches, or in a CVT, clamps the belt between the pulleys. The computer commands each solenoid and checks that pressure follows. P0776 sets when solenoid B does not seem to do its job, as if it were stuck off.

Most reports come from Nissan CVTs. Nissan says pressure can drop under some driving conditions on 2013–2016 Altimas and 2014–2016 Rogues, letting the belt slip and causing poor acceleration, and it reprogrammed about 1.66 million of them. Later bulletins cover the Sentra and Kicks, pairing the code with hesitation or lack of power.

On GM, the code appears with a worn 3-5 reverse clutch plate on 2007–2009 crossovers and sedans, and with pressure sensors on the 2019 Malibu CVT. A bulletin check by VIN is the best first step.

Most likely causes

  1. CVT software allowing pressure drop and belt slip (2013–2016 Altima, 2014–2016 Rogue)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan reprogrammed these CVTs because hydraulic pressure could drop and let the belt slip, lighting the MIL with P0776.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Altima or Rogue that has not had campaign PC490.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  2. CVT internal fault needing valve body or CVT repair (Nissan)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan bulletins for the Altima, Rogue, Sentra and Kicks pair P0776 with hesitation or lack of power, and the Altima and Kicks bulletins send technicians to a CVT repair flow chart that can mean a control valve or a whole CVT.
    What would change this
    Rises with hesitation, reduced power or judder, or with P1715 also stored.

  3. Worn 3-5 reverse clutch waved plate (2007–2009 GM)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM pairs P0776 with no reverse, third or fifth gear and replaces the 3-5 reverse clutch waved plate.
    What would change this
    Rises if reverse, third or fifth gear is missing.

  4. Transmission pressure sensors (2019 Malibu CVT)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM tells dealers to replace both pressure sensors for P0746 or P0776 on the VT40 CVT.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2019 Malibu with the CVT.

  5. Sticking solenoid, dirty or low fluid, or blocked passages

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The check looks for pressure that does not follow the command, which a sticking valve or poor fluid can cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the fluid is low, dark or contaminated.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for open campaigns and P0776 bulletins for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a transmission shop check fluid level and condition, then compare commanded and actual pressure with a scan tool.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data

    Warning:Shop test. Many transmissions and CVTs have no dipstick and need the maker's fluid check procedure and special fluid.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Hesitation or poor acceleration
  • Judder on some Nissan CVTs
  • No reverse, third or fifth gear on some 2007–2009 GM models Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Transmission stuck in one gear or reduced power (fail-safe or limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a Nissan dealer whether campaign PC490 or a P0776 bulletin applies to your VIN. GM has also issued bulletins.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Nissan's first fix for many Altimas and Rogues is reprogramming, not new hardware. Do not replace the transmission computer for P0776 unless a test points to it.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2013–2017 · Altima · 4-cylinder

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan campaign PC490 reprograms the CVT on 2013–2016 Altimas because pressure can drop and the belt slip, with P0776 and poor acceleration. NTB16-110 covers further CVT repair when P0776 persists. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the CVT

  • 2014–2016 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Covered by the same Nissan campaign PC490 and bulletin NTB16-110 as the Altima. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the CVT

  • 2017–2018 · Sentra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB18-077C covers the MIL with P0776 and P1715, with possible hesitation or lack of power. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2018–2019 · Kicks

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB19-040 covers the MIL with P0776 and possible hesitation or lack of power. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PC490Status unverified

    CVT reprogramming voluntary service campaign

    2013–2016altima, rogue · issued · NHTSA 10109117

    About 1,657,666 MY2013–16 Altima and MY2014–16 Rogue vehicles get CVT software. Under some conditions hydraulic pressure can drop and the belt can slip, causing the MIL (P0776) and poor acceleration. Nissan says there is no safety concern because of fail-safe logic. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB16-110Status unverified

    4-cylinder with P0776 and/or judder with P17F0 or P17F1

    2013–2017altima, rogue · issued · NHTSA 10133201

    Covers 2013–2017 Altima 4-cylinder and 2014–2016 Rogue with P0776 and/or judder with P17F0 or P17F1. An earlier version for the 2015–2016 Altima (NHTSA 10119277) notes that P1715 may be stored with P0776, the car may hesitate or have reduced power, and the CVT is repaired per a flow chart. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB18-077CStatus unverified

    MIL with P0776 and P1715, hesitation or lack of power

    2017–2018sentra · issued · NHTSA 10199124

    Covers the MIL with P0776 and P1715, with possible hesitation or lack of power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-040Status unverified

    MIL with P0776, possible hesitation or lack of power

    2018–2019kicks · issued · NHTSA 10161347

    CVT repair per flow chart, with additional service when the control valve or CVT is replaced. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2019 · Malibu · VT40 CVT

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5671 replaces both transmission pressure sensors for P0746 or P0776. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 09-07-30-012FStatus unverified

    No reverse, 3rd or 5th, MIL with P0776

    2007–2009malibu, equinox · issued · NHTSA 10246594

    Replace the 3-5 reverse clutch waved plate. GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and other GM models are also listed. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIP5671Status unverified

    Replace both pressure sensors for P0746 or P0776

    2019malibu · VT40 CVT · issued · NHTSA 10164772

    Dealers replace both transmission pressure sensors if P0746 or P0776 sets in the transmission computer. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0776. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0776 can be that code, so fix P0776 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0746Pressure control solenoid A is not working or stuck off

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P0746 is the same check on pressure control solenoid A. GM replaces the same pressure sensors for either code on the 2019 Malibu CVT.

  • P0747Pressure control solenoid A stuck on

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0747 is a stuck-on fault in a pressure control solenoid, the opposite failure to P0776.

  • P0841Transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch reading does not make sense

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan CVT bulletins list P0776 with P0841, P17F0 and P17F1 on covered models.

  • P2714Pressure control solenoid D is not working or stuck off

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM's bulletin for missing gears from a non-functioning pressure control solenoid lists P2714 and P0776 among the codes that may set.

All Transmission codes

P0776 questions

Is P0776 a common Nissan CVT problem?

Yes, it is mostly reported on Nissan CVTs. Nissan reprogrammed about 1.66 million 2013–2016 Altimas and 2014–2016 Rogues for pressure loss and belt slip, and later bulletins cover the Sentra and Kicks.

Is it safe to drive with P0776?

Have it inspected soon. Nissan says its CVTs have fail-safe logic, but the code comes with hesitation and reduced power, and continued belt slip can damage the transmission.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  2. Nissan NTB16-110: Altima and Rogue 4-cylinder with P0776 (and judder with P17F0/P17F1) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  3. Nissan PC490: CVT reprogramming voluntary service campaign — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  4. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  5. 2020 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual — Nissan North America
  6. Nissan NTB18-077C: MIL with P0776 and P1715, hesitation or lack of power — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  7. Nissan NTB19-040: 2018–2019 Kicks MIL with P0776 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  8. GM 09-07-30-012F: no reverse, 3rd or 5th with P0776 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. GM PIP5671: 2019 Malibu VT40 CVT, replace both pressure sensors for P0746 or P0776 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  10. P0776 Code: Definition and Details — Kelley Blue Book
  11. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  12. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  13. Nissan NTB16-110Q: 4-cylinder with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  14. Nissan NTB21-083: P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813 and/or P0841 stored in the TCM — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  15. GM PI-1131: Missing gears with P0776, P0796, P0878, P0873, P2714 or P2723 from a non-functioning pressure control solenoid — General Motors / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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