P0780: Automatic gearbox shift malfunction
The automatic gearbox could not complete a gear change as expected. Transmission fluid, a shift solenoid or internal wear are the usual sources.
| Code | P0780 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0780 means
The transmission control unit compares input and output shaft speeds to know which gear it is in. If the ratio is wrong after a shift is commanded, it stores this general code. It does not say which shift failed and often appears alongside more specific codes.
Most common causes
- Low transmission fluid level or fluid in poor condition
- Blocked transmission filter
- Shift solenoid sticking or with a poor connection
- Faulty gearbox input or output speed sensor
- Worn internal clutches or valve body
Symptoms
- Engine or gearbox warning light on
- Late, harsh or missed shifts
- Revs rise without the car speeding up (slipping)
- Gearbox stuck in one gear
Can you drive with P0780?
With care You can drive gently over short distances, but if the gearbox slips wear builds quickly. Get it checked soon.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Look for other gearbox codes stored with this one, as they usually point to the actual part. With live data, compare engine revs with road speed under light throttle; if revs climb but speed does not, the gearbox is slipping.
How to read and clear P0780 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0780 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. If the car reports it over standard OBD, you read it for nothing with FREE; to read it straight from the gearbox control unit, with its description and clearing, you need PRO.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P077C The gearbox output speed sensor circuit signal is low
- P077D The gearbox output speed sensor circuit signal is too high
- P077E The gearbox oil temperature sensors give readings that do not agree
- P077F The gear ratio for reverse gear 2 is incorrect
- P0781 Automatic gearbox 1-2 shift malfunction
- P0782 Automatic gearbox 2-3 shift malfunction
- P0783 Automatic gearbox 3-4 shift malfunction
- P0784 The shift from gear 4 to gear 5 has a fault
- P0700 Transmission control system: fault detected
- P0701 Transmission control system: range/performance
- P0702 Transmission control system: electrical fault
- P0703 Torque converter/brake switch B: circuit fault
What does code P0780 mean?
The transmission control unit compares input and output shaft speeds to know which gear it is in. If the ratio is wrong after a shift is commanded, it stores this general code. It does not say which shift failed and often appears alongside more specific codes.
Can you drive with P0780?
You can drive gently over short distances, but if the gearbox slips wear builds quickly. Get it checked soon.
How do you clear P0780?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0780 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
