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The P0777 code definition indicates that the pressure control solenoid has malfunctioned somehow. This pressure solenoid is important in maintaining pump pressure within any vehicle. If stuck in the on position, the solenoid cannot perform its necessary functions to ensure the correct pump pressure throughout the internal transmission. If the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) notices an issue in the pressure control solenoid circuit, it will cause the engine to store the P0601 OBD-II trouble code, which lets you know that this issue is occurring. This diagnostic trouble code will only appear in OBD-II vehicles with an automatic transmission.
More About Error Code P0777
Your vehicle makes thousands of calculations every second, and some of those calculations help to determine the most optimal pump pressure for your vehicle. The vehicle will make calculations based on things like the position of the throttle, the engine load, and the vehicle speed. If the desired pressure within your hydraulic passages doesn’t match the actual pressure the vehicle produces, the PCM will store the P0777 code.
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Common symptoms for the P0777 fault code vary dramatically. You may see erratic, delayed, or harsh shifts and the transmission slipping or getting stuck in a specific gear. The transmission may also overheat, especially if stuck in a gear too low for its function. You might see a lowered fuel economy as well. In some cases, the vehicle might enter “Limp Mode,” also called “Limp Home Mode,” where it caps the maximum vehicle speed and may shut off certain systems like the air conditioning system. Regardless of what symptoms you experience, you will see the check engine light or transmission warning light turn on.
As with many codes related to transmission solenoids, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0777 often has to do with other issues in your transmission. This may include low transmission fluid levels or dirty fluid with excessive debris or foreign material. If these aren’t the problem, you may be dealing with a defective transmission pump or blocked pressure passage, leading to issues with the pressure. The pressure control solenoid itself may also be faulty. Or you might have damaged wiring and electrical connections within the system, with problems like broken connector pins or an issue with normal wiring. In some cases, the transmission control module (TCM) or engine control unit (ECU) might be faulty, but this is exceptionally rare.
The P0777 code is very serious. This code usually has to do with mechanical issues within the transmission or the solenoid, which can result in severe symptoms. You could end up overheating the transmission or being unable to switch out of a specific gear, which can cause severe damage to the engine. You should treat the P0777 code as exceptionally serious.
The P0777 code is not a good one to drive on. Even if you’re not seeing any drivability concerns right now, problems with the P0777 code can quickly lead to severe drivability issues, with problems sometimes arising even while driving. If your vehicle has a P0777 code active, you should stop driving it and contact an expert mechanic as soon as possible.
Depending on the problem causing the P0777 code, it could be very difficult or very easy to diagnose the P0777 code. In some cases, a transmission fluid flush might fix the problem. It might be a very easy problem to fix if you can do this. However, if the problem is with a faulty transmission pump, corroded wiring, or some other issue, it might be more difficult to find the core problem without misdiagnosing. This is where an expert can come into play, as they can diagnose the problem correctly the first time.
Inspection, as with diagnosis, can be difficult for the P0777 code. As with other transmission error codes, this DTC often requires advanced equipment so you can determine what’s happening within the transmission as you drive. You’ll also need to know which pieces to inspect first and what problems are most likely or least likely, as the obvious defects may not be the true problem. If you don’t have the information to do this, you should turn it over to a qualified technician.
Generic transmission codes are often scary to deal with yourself, so many people seek help from an expert. An expert can assist you if you need additional help handling your P0777 code.
First, you’ll want to find an auto repair shop in your area. You want to avoid driving as much as possible when the P0777 code is active, so finding a local repair shop will be one of the most important parts of the process.
This code also very frequently appears alongside other codes. If you’re looking for more insight into the codes you see on your scan tool, check out the OBD-II database at KBB.com, where you can find more information about all sorts of OBD-II generic codes.
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