Diagnostic article Generic OBD-II

P077B: Output speed can have the right magnitude and the wrong direction

Understand the GM P077B direction comparison and why valid motor-speed estimates are essential to interpreting it.

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Documented application

GM 2010 10OBDG10 Hybrid Diagnostics, only the cited controller and monitor. These are historical calibration examples; individual vehicle, engine and hardware applicability is not established.

The code alone does not identify a failed part or establish that a vehicle is safe to drive. Confirm the vehicle, reporting module and applicable service procedure.

P077B checks the direction reported by the transmission output-speed sensor against direction calculated from hybrid motor-speed information. Its distinguishing feature is direction: two readings can have similar speed magnitude yet disagree about the direction of rotation.

The comparison needs trustworthy references

The source requires valid output-sensor hardware information and a valid motor-based output-speed estimate. Communication loss must be absent, and the P215C correlation fault must not be active. The output-speed and motor-speed estimates must also differ by no more than 50rpm, with estimated output speed at least 50rpm.

Under those conditions a direction mismatch lasting 0.35 seconds is the documented failure. This prevents a speed-magnitude discrepancy from being treated automatically as the direction error defined here.

Preserve signed data

A useful scan capture retains the direction or sign of the raw output-speed and motor-based values. Taking absolute values or recording only an unsigned speed can remove the evidence this monitor uses. Include validity and communication status so an unavailable reference is not mistaken for an opposite direction.

The pass criterion is the opposite relationship sustained for five seconds. The table does not identify a reversed connector, a specific sensor replacement or a safe dynamic test maneuver. Diagnosis and any movement-dependent testing require the correct hybrid-transmission service procedure and controlled professional conditions.

Source and applicability

GM 2010 10OBDG10 Hybrid Diagnostics, only the cited controller and monitor. These are historical calibration examples; individual vehicle, engine and hardware applicability is not established. GM PDF, page 210.

Article source documents

  1. General Motors

    2010 10OBDG10 Hybrid Diagnostics

Source checks describe how the text was prepared; they do not certify a diagnosis or confirm compatibility with every vehicle using this code.

Original code reference

Dictionary definition

Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit - Direction Error

This definition retains its original catalog scope. The article above is limited to its explicitly documented application.

Reference scope

Generic OBD-II definition.

A manufacturer label does not establish the model, year, engine or module to which a diagnosis applies. Read the safety and diagnostic limits.

Definition source

  1. Community reference dataWal33D (Waleed Judah)
    DTC Database: pinned community code definitions

    Source checked · MIT