Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
DTC P0780: Problem in Shift Control System
- Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).
- Make sure that the transmission is filled to the proper level, and check for fluid leaks.
- Drain the ATF (see step 3
) through a strainer. Inspect the strainer for metal debris or excessive clutch material.
Does the strainer have metal debris or excessive clutch material?
YES - Replace the transmission, then go to step 14.
NO - Replace the ATF (see step 5 ), then go to step 4.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- Clear the DTC with the HDS.
- Test-drive the vehicle in the D position through all five gears.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF, and repeat the test-drive in step 6.
- Monitor the OBD STATUS for P0780 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate FAILED?
YES - Go to step 9.
NO - If the screen indicates PASSED, intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 6.
- Clear the DTC with the HDS.
- Run the engine until the ECT SENSOR value reaches 176°F (80°C).
- Test-drive the vehicle in the D position through all five gears.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF, and repeat the test-drive in step 11.
- Monitor the OBD STATUS for P0780 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate FAILED?
YES - Repair shift valve D, or replace the transmission, then go to step 14.
NO - If the screen indicates PASSED, intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 11.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- Clear the DTC with the HDS.
- Test-drive the vehicle in the D position through all five gears.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF, and repeat the test-drive in step 16.
- Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0780 indicated?
YES - Go to step 9.
NO - Go to step 19.
- Monitor the OBD STATUS for P0780 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?
YES - Troubleshooting is complete. If any other DTCs were indicated in step 18, go to the INDICATED DTC'S TROUBLESHOOTING .
NO - If the screen indicates FAILED, go to step 9. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 16.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.