Expert: Roland Finston - 7/27/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2003 Dodge intrepid. About 2 years ago I got the dreaded P1776 error. I took the car to the dealer and $900.00 later they installed a valve body. It has been fine for two years and now is acting up again. Getting the code then going into limp mode. I pull over unhook the battery to reset it and it will run fine for twenty miles or so then throw the code again. I do not want to put another $900.00 in this thing that I just replaced two years ago. I have read your previous posts and you had mentioned a set of pages you can send that will explain how to test other components to make sure it is not a solenoid or cable etc. Is that something you can send to me or post online where I can download it. ?   I called the dealer today and the valve body is $518.77 with exchange. I would like to avoid that if it is something else.
Thank you in advance for any information you can share with me.

ANSWER: Hi Rob,
Do you have the situation where the transmission and engine controller are combined into a single unit (NGC=next generation controller)? I know that was part of the '04 model year for which I have a manual on a CD. Otherwise I don't have the wiring diagrams nor a troubleshoot for '03 models.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I do not know the answer to that question. Would the dealer know if I gave them the VIN ?
Other than that I do not know how I would find out as I am not much of a transmission guy.

Answer
Hi Rob,
In front of the power distribution box in the engine compartment, there is either a main module with 4 plugs arrayed across the front of it, or there are two modules, the rear one with two 40 pin plugs on the inboard side and the front one with a single 60 pin plug on its front side. Can you notice which you have?
I am doubtful that the troubleshoot for the NCG is something you can accomplish because some of the steps involve test tools. But if you have the NCG I will send the 8 pages. Otherwise I don't have much to offer by email. And I need to know your email address via your sending me a private option follow-up in which you put that in the text.
Roland