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P1778 got you down?

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#101 ·
Transmission wear issue. The fluid cold works fine, then once it thins at hotter fully warm temperature the wear then shows when the fluid leaks badly at wear points, the line pressure then drops to affect trans working right. Why steppers commonly don't work, they cannot repair wear in hydraulic systems that makes them leak.

The wear caused the 1778 code when the stepper began to get out of the range computer expects it to be but stepper is trying to correct for incorrect ratio due to the leaks.
 
#102 ·
Benzolorenzo1 said:
About 6 months ago, I received the death code P1778 (stepper motor) in my 2008 Altima. I searched far and wide, low and high, only to be told 2 things... you need a new transmission, or you need a new valve body. Since I didn't have $2500 for a new trans, let alone $800 for the valve body, I decided to look into this further. I watched a youtube video the only one I could find was a Nissan Armada, but I thought, what the hell? I drained the fluid, dropped the pan, yanked out the valve body, and found that little bastard that gave me such trouble.

Now with a part in hand, I went to my local parts store and was told we don't sell that part; it's not even in our system... went to the dealership, told the same thing, and was told I needed to buy a new transmission as they are not "serviceable" funny. Still, I had the part in hand; how could it not be serviceable?

Lastly, I took a gamble; I went to eBay and ordered a stepper motor. 20k miles later, still no code, no whine, and no lock up. Here is how I saved thousands and bought a $35 part.

1)drain fluid.
2)drop pan (clean with brake cleaner)
3)remove the 3 bolts holding the filter. (clean with brake cleaner while you're at it)
4)remove the valve body of about 11 bolts
5)remove the stepper motor from the top of the valve body (the side you can't see with the pan off) 2 bolts
6)replace with the new stepper motor
7)take a piece of dental floss about a foot long and hold the spring-loaded arm back against the stepper motor and return the valve body back to the transmission.
8)after you have a few bolts in place, remove the floss before you tighten them all the way.
9)reconnect the trans filter and bolt it back into place.
10)rejoin the fluid pan to the transmission and replace it with quality CVT fluid. Amsoil makes a great product.

I hope this helps and if you have questions, please feel free to ask.
Click to expand...
Hello, I have a nissan 2008 3.5 and I'm having that same code p1778 and p0868
I haven't tried this yet anyone had luck on theirs ? I can't afford a new transmission let alone a new car..
 
#103 ·
Uh, the car really does not care and will do what it will...............the 868 code says line pressure is too low, read post #101 again. I give it 30% odds and likely even working will quit again in the future after you 'fix' it. Once the wear has gone that far it keeps on wearing at a high rate.

Blame the super wear on the 800 psi that CVT has to have to work, normal transmissions never need any more than around 200. That is whopping pressure out of the norm and wear parts like lightning to get those codes and why so many Nissans fail that way.
 
#104 ·
Benzolorenzo1 said:
About 6 months ago, I received the death code P1778 (stepper motor) in my 2008 Altima. I searched far and wide, low and high, only to be told 2 things... you need a new transmission, or you need a new valve body. Since I didn't have $2500 for a new trans, let alone $800 for the valve body, I decided to look into this further. I watched a youtube video the only one I could find was a Nissan Armada, but I thought, what the hell? I drained the fluid, dropped the pan, yanked out the valve body, and found that little bastard that gave me such trouble.

Now with a part in hand, I went to my local parts store and was told we don't sell that part; it's not even in our system... went to the dealership, told the same thing, and was told I needed to buy a new transmission as they are not "serviceable" funny. Still, I had the part in hand; how could it not be serviceable?

Lastly, I took a gamble; I went to eBay and ordered a stepper motor. 20k miles later, still no code, no whine, and no lock up. Here is how I saved thousands and bought a $35 part.

1)drain fluid.
2)drop pan (clean with brake cleaner)
3)remove the 3 bolts holding the filter. (clean with brake cleaner while you're at it)
4)remove the valve body of about 11 bolts
5)remove the stepper motor from the top of the valve body (the side you can't see with the pan off) 2 bolts
6)replace with the new stepper motor
7)take a piece of dental floss about a foot long and hold the spring-loaded arm back against the stepper motor and return the valve body back to the transmission.
8)after you have a few bolts in place, remove the floss before you tighten them all the way.
9)reconnect the trans filter and bolt it back into place.
10)rejoin the fluid pan to the transmission and replace it with quality CVT fluid. Amsoil makes a great product.

I hope this helps and if you have questions, please feel free to ask.
Click to expand...
Did u by any chance take any pictures or a video of the stepper motor
 
#108 ·
I see you have copied again somebody else's answer and posted it like it's your own.

And no long term fix report ever came back on it. Common to get car running again for a couple months max then it begins popping the code again when more wear has occurred. Or it does it in another week. Why stepper motors often are bought to accomplish much of nothing in the long run.
 
#109 ·
I've never replied to something like this before but I've had a problem with my step motor for a while, I have. A 2010 Nissan Altima coupe 2.5 S and baught and changed the step motor about four times and couldn't fix it. I see we're people tell you to put a pin through the hole for the valve body. I did all that and nothing. This last time I put it together I noticed that the gear thing that you hold that lever back for also has a pin hole. I pulled that lever back manually put a pin in it and put it back together and pulled both pins out and my car freaking runs now. Am I the only one who has done this.
 
#111 ·
amc49 said:
Runs for how long though, many get them back running but that does not repair the wear that produces the problem in the first place.
Click to expand...
I've read through this thread, and I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that the stepper is just a small part of the bigger problem based on CVT excessive wear.

I changed the stepper motor on my 09 Versa twice and within a few months, the P1778 code returned. Until people realize it's not the stepper, but a much bigger problem of Nissan's pathetic CVT design as a whole, money will continue to go down the drain on a part which people want to believe is a magic bullet, but it truly isn't.
 
#112 ·
Yes, Name ONE person that came back a year later to say the car was still running after a stepper only change.

The shops that rebuild CVT will tell you in a second commonly you may only be getting minutes more car use before the trans messes up again. CVT is like a chainsaw inside a transmission, the parts wear super fast as compared to normal transmissions.

Stepper is the latest buzzword trick part like solenoid used to be, everyone wants one yet they don't work much of the time like solenoids.
 
#115 ·
Benzolorenzo1 said:
About 6 months ago, I received the death code P1778 (stepper motor) in my 2008 Altima. I searched far and wide, low and high, only to be told 2 things... you need a new transmission, or you need a new valve body. Since I didn't have $2500 for a new trans, let alone $800 for the valve body, I decided to look into this further. I watched a youtube video the only one I could find was a Nissan Armada, but I thought, what the hell? I drained the fluid, dropped the pan, yanked out the valve body, and found that little bastard that gave me such trouble.

Now with a part in hand, I went to my local parts store and was told we don't sell that part; it's not even in our system... went to the dealership, told the same thing, and was told I needed to buy a new transmission as they are not "serviceable" funny. Still, I had the part in hand; how could it not be serviceable?

Lastly, I took a gamble; I went to eBay and ordered a stepper motor. 20k miles later, still no code, no whine, and no lock up. Here is how I saved thousands and bought a $35 part.

1)drain fluid.
2)drop pan (clean with brake cleaner)
3)remove the 3 bolts holding the filter. (clean with brake cleaner while you're at it)
4)remove the valve body of about 11 bolts
5)remove the stepper motor from the top of the valve body (the side you can't see with the pan off) 2 bolts
6)replace with the new stepper motor
7)take a piece of dental floss about a foot long and hold the spring-loaded arm back against the stepper motor and return the valve body back to the transmission.
8)after you have a few bolts in place, remove the floss before you tighten them all the way.
9)reconnect the trans filter and bolt it back into place.
10)rejoin the fluid pan to the transmission and replace it with quality CVT fluid. Amsoil makes a great product.

I hope this helps and if you have questions, please feel free to ask.
Click to expand...
You can get a stepper motor , or valve body from Amazon to fix this code . A stepper motor will be cheaper and is the choice I chose after Nissan Dealer requested a whole new CVT which was $8K and warranty only covered $7K so I was still $1k out of pocket. I don’t recommend replacing a whole CVT period as it is a sealed band and should last the lifetime of the engine of the car. CVT should be flushed at 60k and 120k every 60k. Not long this can cause stepper motor to go out or fail causing this limp mode acceleration issue. Not to worry if you have a V6 3.5 VQ you can check solenoids and CVT band , CVT oil to make sure it’s not burnt or any bits. I would not worry about smell if you have this limp code p1777 step or p1778 valve same area 2 different issues and this should not happen frequently only a 1 time fix due to a component inside the CVT. If the CVT oil is clean CVT is usually good and is not the cause. Most people think CVT is trash but all in all they aren’t too knowledgeable or concerned about the complex system when problems or warning light comes on the dash. I’m here to tell you they just don’t know what to do. The average person would change entire CVT thinking the CVT has failed all in all it just need a little TLC to remove this engine code and restore oem power back to engine as it is in limp?, you will experience a terrible whine , CVT or burn smell , not to worry as mentioned if you maintain your Nissan’s CVT as recommended trust me 80% of people don’t even know what a CVT flush is but drive a Nissan with one. As your Nissan just wants a fix or service “ on dash , as you mentioned P1778 is a valve body code. If you have warranty under 120,000 and your dealer , BBB, or service provider contract is willing to swap CVT under warranty with no deductible I would go for it. With this issue a dealer is not or will not be going in to your CVT or replacing valve body without the whole “new CVT unit” as it is easier and more efficient as they don’t want to deal with fixing a older Nissan or dealing with CVT fluid or bands , as it does get very hot in my Altima 3.5SR experience and P1777 was the only issue I experienced ever after 2 years then all of sudden I had this issue one day I went to drive after 2 year purchase and was stuck in parking lot and got vehicle to operate but had a terrible wine. I got Nissan Diagnostic first as that’s the kind of person iam and auto zone scan after. Nissan Dealer( Not Naming my Diagnosis Dealer ) requested a new CVT after brought in for paid diagnostics and I was told this was the only option for repairing the car. I was about to just replace the CVT as I felt like it was the only option to get the car out of limp, out of wine and back to smooth peppy 290 HP. I also had a balance as this was scary I did not panic. CVT was on back order and would’ve had to wait 2 months which mean car would have been sitting waiting on CVT. The only option in reality was not true after auto zone scanning I was matching Nissan Diagnostic Diagram also driving to Auto zone scanner and got same code p1777 step did some research, not sure if it was deliberately shut off or just wore out. I babied the Nissan since purchase and was concerned. I checked solenoid and noticed CVT contains 3 parts CVT Xtronic band (CVT), Valve body, and stepper motor. Step Motor for me is inside the valve body which is almost 400 degrees or however hot CVT fluids get so you can never work on this during running engine or battery as the battery power is electric and controls electrics obviously. I purchased step motor in the meantime from Amazon for $35. I then called my personal mechanic and told him my engine and issue and gather some cash for a repair to see if my thinking was correct. My thinking was correct , CVT oil was clean and like new as it was flushed and ready for next 60k flush. Mechanic stated that CVT oil was too clean to be damaged chain or CVT entire assembly as he works on a lot of Nissan and Other makes and this was just unjust considering the Altima would start and drive but be limp and wine only over 20-25 MPH (Service Engine was illuminated for code p1777) I only got code p1777 or what ever code that is only those 2/2 77 step motor and 78 valve For your case p1778 I would say replace the whole valve body as you get service code for valve body. To be more complex the valve body could have failed causing this issue and will automatically put your Nissan in safe mode to protect engine and prevent CVT chain damage and or failure. I know someone had a Altima p1778 and replaced valve body and car runs excellent no more lights on dash purchased new 2012 Altima 3.5SR and got issue at 190,000k miles and fixed it at 190,001k and car is almost at 300K miles now so it’s a system just like any other car just be patient, knowledge and smart. This is all from experience. I would definitely look all into the code all about my Nissan. This is definitely a limp safety issue and can be fixed quickly you would definitely need a mechanic for the Nissan to change valve body on P1778 and this will definitely fix the code. Unless you know how to work on your own car. As these are voltages and controllable by battery and alternator, I would suggest a new Valve Body or Valve Body Module Control as if you get used it can happen again or go out again. Your car is a computer detected P1778 is either failing , valve body just wore out overtime or not operating to spec for your car which is why it decided to give you a service engine soon illuminated in the intelligent cluster. CVT and components are very reliable but valve body could be overworked due to mileage, poor CVT maintenance as it is serviceable and is serviceable can also cause valve body to wear from dirt or overall build up in oil. Incorrect CVT oil or Nissan CVT white fluid not compatible, or it just went out and went bad or was already going on but your car just detected it and put you in limp mode. I would relax , examine the vehicle up on a jack at home on street , at mechanics or point inspection center. This is a common occurrence where people think CVT has failed. Your CVT is good your CVT light will appear if there is a malfunction so trust your CVT light. Not hard at all but a very complex system. Your car has a great computer if i were you i would look for a new valve body as they are expensive obtaining an old one will give you a 50/50 chance of it going out again after the repair vs new oem 100k-Unlimited warranty, with new you most likely will never have to deal with p1778 ever again through the cars life as this current one under the Altima (Valve Body) has cleared or ended oem acceptable operation for th Altimas computer system standards. This service engine light will remain on and remain in limp safety acceleration mode until it is addressed, the second new part is installed and vehicle intelligent push button hits on and start , the Altima system will definitely remove the check engine light on it’s on or you can scan tool remove. 2.5 or 3.5 Full HP will be restored , light will remain off for a 3 cluster innovation (white glow) no check engine light no service engine light as that’s what you want. Just pure innovation gauges ready for you to Altima. If light does not reset it’s on it can be stuck in your Altimas Computer or PCM stored error or operating error. 9/10 during the engine cycle the Altima will definitely clear it own light for a innovative repair and no action should be required after valve body is installed to clear off p1778 if that’s the only problem you have that will get the job done for sure. P1778 should be valve body replacement only and you should make sure you get a bottle or bottles of OEM Nissan Fluid from dealer as a slight drop of aftermarket or dirt in valve body. Not CVT(aCVT component) third party fluid could be the issue. Usually for p1778 the whole old valve body needs to get swapped out with a new one and I don’t recommend you drive during the limp risking damage to complex Nissan Components. I have seen codes having to get cleared automatically after p1777 p1778 upon starting cycle after repair completion. If for any reason the glaring orange service soon or check engine use scan tool to clear code. Turn off and fully re cycle engine for a push button start , not on, turn it over. Light should be gone if for any reason this did not fix p1778 then you have some other code. In other words, your car is fine just a worn out part I would not recommend just step motor as that is for code P1777 , The fix for p1778 is a new valve body not sure how much that is as my valve body was fine , unless you really just want a new CVT but I’d say not replace a continuous variable transmission as it is sealed and should be serviced every 60K if you have one and should last the life of the car or engine period , the CVT runs forever people just don’t understand or like dealing with it as Nissan repair has to be done to perfection and has to be lifted up or taken apart . P1778 a valve body replaced (NEW) is definitely the fix for your Altima code to be cleared for a no light , no issues Altima and will automatically request pcm on Altima or Maxima to restore oem or original operation, with no more service light , no more issues, and full operational engine power no limp mode.
 
#116 ·
You are freaking dreaming. CVT has the highest wear rate of any automatic on the planet and commonly other parts besides the stepper or VB cause those codes. The trans rebuilders themselves report many of the trans cores come in with new steppers that did nothing in 75% of the cases and they simply reuse them over in the new rebuilt trans.

There is NO band in a Nissan V-6 CVT.

Putting on a mew trans control module can be one of the worst things you can do on one.

The fluid can look very clean and yet trans be scrap due to the killer magnets put inside them. The fluid is commonly quite dirty by 15K miles.

There is absolutely no such thing as a sealed transmission and never has been.
 
#117 ·
amc49 said:
You are freaking dreaming. CVT has the highest wear rate of any automatic on the planet and commonly other parts besides the stepper or VB cause those codes. The trans rebuilders themselves report many of the trans cores come in with new steppers that did nothing in 75% of the cases and they simply reuse them over in the new rebuilt trans.

There is NO band in a Nissan V-6 CVT.

Putting on a mew trans control module can be one of the worst things you can do on one.

The fluid can look very clean and yet trans be scrap due to the killer magnets put inside them. The fluid is commonly quite dirty by 15K miles.

There is absolutely no such thing as a sealed transmission and never has been.
Click to expand...
Every CVT has a band or timing chain . ECM , PCM , engine , transmission were all in excellent condition had no issues. Not sure how rebuilding or any of that. Car still is using original oem CVT.
 
#118 ·
Not sure how a rebuilt CVT works out unless you get a warranty for that as well if you have to do a rebuilt CVT , you can always put whatever CVT to oem operational performance regardless of what ever has happened during your vehicle journey though with knowing this by extensive research and real time innovation experience with Nissan Motor Parts. Due to experience I would stay with an original CVT or oem unless CVT was completely warranted out during Nissan OEM CVT install 120k warranty or some dealers lifetime warranty or per service contract, extended plan if applicable as this can be used components in a rebuilt CVT over oem lifelong Oem CVT wear. The CVT is definitely a sealed design with its unique components as (Sealed) in fluid is drainable thus similar to a regular automatic transmission, there is fluid as you mentioned is is serviceable (maintenanceable) , flushable. I’m not sure what magnetic conductivity has occurred during this issue for you. I would not directly go into step motor replacement unless your car is giving you the exact 1 and only code for p1777 or what ever the step motor service code is as in my case. Every car has its own mind (Computer modules) . You can always correct any errors, system or timing issue for sure as I never encountered anything like this. I would narrow down and locate to solve the exact code or issues for good showing on scan tool or diagnostic experience to solve and dolve this issue regardless of if CVT is oem or rebuilt during Nissan ; As components can wear in any make or model overtime or prematurely, or not wear at all.
 
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