This code has thrown on me twice, and both time were under similar conditions. I've read a lot about this code, and owners seem to either "throw parts and money at it, plus a prayer or two" - and they may get lucky, or they may not - or they're of the "get rid of it and go with a manual" camp.
Ideally, I don't want to land in either camp, because $$$ (and for the latter, I can't drive stick - though I have a friend who says he'll teach me if I need it) - so I'm wondering if anyone knows of a real solution? I'm going to be taking my Jeep in to the mechanic on Monday, in the hopes that maybe a solution can be found, but if one if already known, I'll pass it on to him.
In my particular case, I feel it it heat related. In both cases (one last year sometime in May, and one this year around the same time frame), I was driving a fair distance, somewhat "non-stop" (I'd go someplace on the other side of Phoenix and back home), it was 100+ degrees out, and I had my AC running. The first time it happened last year, based on things I read, was that the "simple thing to check" was my fluid level. Mine was low, so I added some, and didn't have another problem, until the second time. This time, my fluid level was a little low (so I topped it up), but in the process of doing that, I had parked under a tree, and had spent about a half-hour between the code read, refill and reading about the issue. So my engine and everything had a chance to cool down some. Everything was fine again, until I got close to home, when it threw the code again, and so I pulled over, turned it off for 30 seconds turned it back on, then was able to drive the rest of the way home without an issue.
I haven't driven it since then (I don't really have any places I need to go), but I would like to get back out there, but I don't want that code popping up all the time (if for no other reasons than for passing emissions).
My plan is this: Take it to my mechanic, and see if they can figure it out (they've done magic for me in the past) - but regardless of whether they are able to or not, I intend to have them install a decent transmission cooler, plus a larger pan (with a drain plug). I'm also thinking maybe getting that one shift kit installed, too (I forget the name/brand/model - but it's been rec'd by several people - I probably have notes on it somewhere).
A couple of other things about my TJ that I've noticed - which I am not sure are related or not (my gut says maybe on one, and no on the other - but I don't really know):
1. Ever since I've had my TJ, there have been random times where, when I go to start it up, it does nothing - I have to shift it into neutral for it to start. I've read that it's some kind of cable adjustment, or maybe replacement of some interlock switch (or maybe - unless I'm thinking of a different transmission - a worn "rooster" cam on the shift part).
2. Earlier this year (prior to the P1776 CEL - maybe sometime in February?), I had the old "tiny evap leak" which I ended up replacing my gas cap, and after several drive cycles it went away - but when I had the P1776 code happen, that evap code also popped up again (but I'm not sure if it was just the old code that never got really cleared, or what).
Also - if the "real fix" is "get rid of that transmission and go with a manual" - don't hesitate to tell me that. I don't like that option - It can't be a cheap retrofit, plus needing to learn to drive it (and I'm not sure how I'd get it home) - but I really want to know what my best options would be...
Thank you, everyone. Have a great weekend.
Ideally, I don't want to land in either camp, because $$$ (and for the latter, I can't drive stick - though I have a friend who says he'll teach me if I need it) - so I'm wondering if anyone knows of a real solution? I'm going to be taking my Jeep in to the mechanic on Monday, in the hopes that maybe a solution can be found, but if one if already known, I'll pass it on to him.
In my particular case, I feel it it heat related. In both cases (one last year sometime in May, and one this year around the same time frame), I was driving a fair distance, somewhat "non-stop" (I'd go someplace on the other side of Phoenix and back home), it was 100+ degrees out, and I had my AC running. The first time it happened last year, based on things I read, was that the "simple thing to check" was my fluid level. Mine was low, so I added some, and didn't have another problem, until the second time. This time, my fluid level was a little low (so I topped it up), but in the process of doing that, I had parked under a tree, and had spent about a half-hour between the code read, refill and reading about the issue. So my engine and everything had a chance to cool down some. Everything was fine again, until I got close to home, when it threw the code again, and so I pulled over, turned it off for 30 seconds turned it back on, then was able to drive the rest of the way home without an issue.
I haven't driven it since then (I don't really have any places I need to go), but I would like to get back out there, but I don't want that code popping up all the time (if for no other reasons than for passing emissions).
My plan is this: Take it to my mechanic, and see if they can figure it out (they've done magic for me in the past) - but regardless of whether they are able to or not, I intend to have them install a decent transmission cooler, plus a larger pan (with a drain plug). I'm also thinking maybe getting that one shift kit installed, too (I forget the name/brand/model - but it's been rec'd by several people - I probably have notes on it somewhere).
A couple of other things about my TJ that I've noticed - which I am not sure are related or not (my gut says maybe on one, and no on the other - but I don't really know):
1. Ever since I've had my TJ, there have been random times where, when I go to start it up, it does nothing - I have to shift it into neutral for it to start. I've read that it's some kind of cable adjustment, or maybe replacement of some interlock switch (or maybe - unless I'm thinking of a different transmission - a worn "rooster" cam on the shift part).
2. Earlier this year (prior to the P1776 CEL - maybe sometime in February?), I had the old "tiny evap leak" which I ended up replacing my gas cap, and after several drive cycles it went away - but when I had the P1776 code happen, that evap code also popped up again (but I'm not sure if it was just the old code that never got really cleared, or what).
Also - if the "real fix" is "get rid of that transmission and go with a manual" - don't hesitate to tell me that. I don't like that option - It can't be a cheap retrofit, plus needing to learn to drive it (and I'm not sure how I'd get it home) - but I really want to know what my best options would be...
Thank you, everyone. Have a great weekend.
The advice above is true - need a tranny cooler either way.
