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P1777

Step Motor Circuit Fault

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Is the P1777 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help

The P1777 diagnostic error code is a manufacturer specific code that applies to Nissan vehicles. When this code activates it indicates that there is an issue within the step motor circuit. The step, or stepper, motor is responsible for converting a pulsing electrical current in order to create part rotations in the motor that allow for precise control of mechanical parts. Unlike standard types of electric motors which just rotate continuously until the DC voltage connected to it is shut off.

If your car activates the P1777 code, it is most likely because there is an issue in the circuits that pass information between the step motor and the transmission control module (TCM) that have prevented the step motor from responding.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P1777 Code?

The most obvious symptom of a P1777 code is, of course, the activation of a vehicle’s check engine light, but there are more specific symptoms, including:

  • Jerky acceleration
  • Misfiring
  • Rough idling or shaking
  • Hard starting
  • Lurching backwards or forwards when shifting gears
  • Failure to move when pressing the gas pedal

What Are Some Causes of a P1777 Code?

The potential causes of a car activating a P1777 code can be mechanical or electronic. In some cases, there may be multiple causes. The most common causes include:

  • Faulty step motor
  • Open or shorted step motor harness
  • Poor step motor electrical connection
  • Damaged circuitry

How Serious Is the P1777 Code?

The activation of a P1777 code should be classed as moderate in severity because the issues it can cause range from rough idling to problems accelerating or starting. If the issue progresses unchecked, it may cause safety and drivability issues. However, this generally occurs once the problem has escalated to an advanced level.

Can I Still Drive with a P1777 Code?

It may be possible to drive a car displaying a P1777 code depending on how severe the faults within the step motor and its circuits are. If the step motor has stopped responding altogether, this is of course a severe issue that will prevent you from driving your car. . Some of these issues may pose safety risks to yourself and other road users while others may render the car undrivable.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1777 Code?

Diagnosing a P1777 code and its underlying issues can be tricky, but a trained professional should be able to identify all contributing factors by using a process of elimination. This should involve checking the diagnostic codes, freeze frame data, electronic systems, and physical components, such as wiring, sensors, circuitry, harnesses, and sensors. By thoroughly checking each involved system and component, all faults and areas of risk will be identified and flagged for repair or replacement.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1777 Code?

Properly inspecting all of the components involved in the functioning of a car’s step motor can be complex and requires specialist tools. Inspecting circuitry, sensors, and wiring is best left to trained professionals, especially when they are connected to the motor. A professional should make light work of these repairs, however, and will check for co-occurring issues while they do so.

Need Additional Help with Your P1777 Code?

A fault within the step motor circuit can have several impacts on the functioning of a car. As such it is generally easier and more cost-effective to investigate and apply necessary repairs when the check engine light first activates.

If you experience issues with your car’s step motor circuitor find that the engine is losing power, the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) auto repair center locator can help you to find reputable service centers in your local area. Professional assessment and repair is the best option to ensure a thorough and lasting result.

If you want to know more about diagnostic error codes, the KBB OBD-II database is an informative, free online resource that contains details about all currently used OBD-II error codes, their meanings, symptoms, and common causes. This resource can help you to understand what is going on in your car’s critical systems.

P1777 Q&A

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