P1776 Solenoid switch valve stuck in the low/reverse position

Transmission solenoid switch valve latched in LR position (Chrysler, Dodge)

P1776 in short

On Chrysler and Dodge cars with the 42LE or 42RLE transmission, P1776 means the solenoid switch valve is stuck in the low/reverse position. Owners describe sudden second-gear limp mode at highway speed. Chrysler issued a bulletin for it. Have it checked soon, and avoid highway driving if it keeps happening.

A solenoid switch valve in the valve body steers fluid so the transmission can hold or release low and reverse gears. If the computer sees the valve latched in the low/reverse position when it should not be, it stores P1776, lights the check engine light and usually sets P0700 as well.

Chrysler bulletin 21-008-04 (revised; its summary says it replaces the June 1, 2004 version) covers this code on 2003 to 2005 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. A later Chrysler record says that when this code is the reason a 42LE valve body is being replaced, only the solenoid should be replaced.

Three 2003 and 2004 owner complaints (two 300M and an Intrepid) describe the same experience: the engine revs near 4,000 rpm, then the car goes into second gear or limp mode and stays there until the ignition is cycled. Nissan uses P1776 for an unrelated torque converter clutch fault, so this meaning is only for Chrysler and Dodge.

Pick your make

P1776 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed or sticking solenoid in the valve body solenoid pack

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Chrysler's own record says the repair for this code is to replace the solenoid only, and the Intrepid owner was told a new solenoid pack was suggested.
    What would change this
    The code returning right after a clear and the car going to limp mode points here; a clean wiring check raises it further.

  2. Wiring open or short to the solenoid

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Reference listings for the Jeep version of this code add "wiring open/short circuit" to the description, so a wiring fault is plausible, but we found no Chrysler or Dodge case that proves it.
    What would change this
    A damaged harness or a corroded connector at the transmission would raise this.

What to test first

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

  1. Record P1776 and any P0700 or P1713 codes, clear them, and see whether they return and under what conditions.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

    • IfP1776 returns quickly or the car drops into limp mode again

      It meansThe fault is current; a shop should test the solenoid circuits next.

      Go to step 2

    • IfThe code does not return

      It meansIt may have been intermittent; keep monitoring and have it checked if it comes back.

  2. Check the transmission harness and connector for damage, then measure the resistance of the suspect solenoid and compare to the service manual.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter and service manual

    Warning:Working at the transmission pan or connector means hot fluid and a heavy vehicle on stands; the connector sits near hot exhaust parts. Leave this to a shop unless equipped.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Transmission stuck in second gear (limp mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine revs high without the car speeding up Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Write down when it happens (speed, temperature) and whether it clears after turning the car off and on, then bring that to a shop.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):A control module is not the first suspect; Chrysler's record points at the solenoid. Labor varies, get a quote.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chrysler

  • 2003–2004 · 300M

    Supported by vehicle data

    Three owner complaints for the 2004 300M report limp mode locked in second gear with P1776 and P0700 on the freeway, and Chrysler's bulletin lists the 300M.

  • 2100804 (chrysler)Status unverified

    MIL illumination, DTC P1776 solenoid switch valve latched in LR position

    2003–2005300m, concorde, pacifica, pt-cruiser, sebring, town-and-country · NHTSA 10008383

    Summary-only record: the bulletin addresses a check engine light with P1776 on the listed models. It replaces an earlier bulletin dated June 1, 2004. We did not read the repair procedure.

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

Dodge

  • 2003–2004 · Intrepid

    Supported by vehicle data

    A 2003 Intrepid owner was told to replace the transmission, while another shop suggested a new solenoid pack; Chrysler's bulletin lists the Intrepid.

  • 2100804 (dodge)Status unverified

    MIL illumination, DTC P1776 solenoid switch valve latched in LR position

    2003–2004dakota, intrepid, neon · NHTSA 10008383

    Summary-only record: the bulletin addresses a check engine light with P1776 on the listed models. It replaces an earlier bulletin dated June 1, 2004. We did not read the repair procedure.

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

  • P1775Solenoid switch valve stuck in the torque converter clutch position

    Same system Common general cause

    On Dodge, P1775 describes the same switch valve stuck in the torque converter clutch position rather than low/reverse.

All Transmission codes

Sources and review

  1. Chrysler bulletin 21-008-04 rev: MIL illumination, DTC P1776 solenoid switch valve latched in LR position — Chrysler (FCA)
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 10335662: 2004 Chrysler 300M, codes P0700 and P1776 — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10351889: 2003 Dodge Intrepid, codes P1776 and P0700 — NHTSA
  4. Chrysler bulletin 01-011-19: valve body assembly 42LE, P1776 solenoid only — Chrysler (FCA)
  5. P1776 fault code definitions by manufacturer — troublecodes.net
  6. P1775 trouble code definitions by manufacturer — troublecodes.net
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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