OBD-II trouble code
P0776: Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Performance or Stuck Off
The transmission's pressure control solenoid B isn't regulating hydraulic pressure as commanded — it's underperforming or stuck off. Expect harsh, delayed, or slipping shifts, and check fluid before assuming the solenoid has failed.
Quick facts
- System
- Powertrain
- Category
- Transmission / Pressure Control
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $150 – $900
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
What does P0776 mean?
P0776 sets when the transmission control module (TCM) or PCM commands pressure control solenoid "B" to regulate pressure and the solenoid doesn't respond correctly. Where the electrical code for this solenoid (P0778) catches a clear open or short, P0776 is the performance-and-behavior code: the circuit may test fine electrically, but the solenoid isn't producing the pressure the module expects. "Stuck off" means the valve is stuck in its de-energized, open state and won't build the commanded pressure — there's effectively no pressure response.
Pressure control solenoid B is a second pressure-regulating solenoid in the valve body. Depending on the transmission, it may control a specific clutch circuit, a secondary pressure, or share line-pressure duty with solenoid A. When it can't hold the commanded pressure, the affected shifts happen at the wrong firmness — usually harsh, delayed, or slipping — and the transmission can run hotter than normal.
As with the other pressure control codes, P0776 doesn't automatically mean the solenoid is dead. Low or dirty fluid, a valve sticking on varnish, a clogged filter, and valve-body wear can all keep the solenoid from reaching its target. That's why a fluid level and condition check comes first, and why this code is sometimes solved with a fluid service or valve-body repair rather than a solenoid swap. Left alone, chronic low or mistimed pressure lets the clutches slip, and slip generates heat that shortens transmission life — so it's worth diagnosing promptly.
Common causes
- Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty or degraded transmission fluid causing valve stiction
- Pressure control solenoid B sticking on varnish or debris
- Worn or contaminated valve body bleeding off pressure
- Failed or weak pressure control solenoid B
- Restricted transmission filter starving the pump
- Internal transmission wear reducing achievable pressure
Symptoms
- Check engine light on with P0776 stored
- Harsh, delayed, or flaring shifts
- Transmission slipping under load
- Transmission running hotter than normal
- Falling into limp mode in some cases
- Reduced fuel economy when the converter or clutches slip
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Check transmission fluid level and condition first — low or burnt fluid is a common cause and the cheapest to rule out.
- 2.Scan for companion transmission codes; a general P0700 confirms the TCM has stored transmission faults.
- 3.Read line-pressure live data if the transmission supports it, and compare commanded versus actual pressure.
- 4.Inspect the solenoid connector and harness for corrosion or damage.
- 5.Resistance-check pressure control solenoid B against specification to confirm it's electrically healthy.
- 6.If the solenoid tests good and fluid is fresh, suspect valve-body wear or contamination bleeding off pressure.
Repair cost
$150 – $900
A transmission fluid and filter service ($150-$350) is the first step and sometimes the whole fix. A pressure control solenoid replacement runs roughly $250-$700 depending on whether it's externally accessible or requires dropping the pan or valve body. Valve-body repair or replacement is the higher end. Diagnosing line pressure properly is worth the labor before replacing internal parts.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with transmission shift solenoid replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
Leave this one to a qualified shop. It typically involves emissions-critical components, refrigerant handling, or other work that requires manufacturer-grade tooling, training, or certification. DIY attempts often produce a more expensive problem than the original code.