What is P0780 fault code? What is Gear Failure? How to fix P0780 fault codes? What are the symptoms and causes for the P0780 error code?
What is the P0780 fault code? What does it all mean?
A P0780 code will be triggered when the powertrain controller module (PCM), or transmission control modules (TCM), detects a transmission shifting problem. This code is only for vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. It can also be associated with fault codes for shift solenoids.
To calculate transmission shifts, the PCM/TCM takes data from a number of engine and transmission sensor. Hydraulic pressure is created using a powerful pump in the gearbox housing that is driven by the motor. The PCM/TCM activates electronic solenoid valves and directs high-pressure fluid towards the hydraulic control unit. This allows for gear changes.
Different speeds and RPM levels need different levels of hydraulic pressure. The electronic pressure regulator regulates the hydraulic pressure required by the PCM/TCM. The controller can monitor hydraulic pressure by using the transmission temperature sensor and transmission pressure sensor. To verify that the gears are properly shifting, the controller compares signals from the output speed and input speed sensors. If the PCM/TCM detects that a transmission is not shifting properly code P0780 has been set. The check engine light in the cluster activates to warn the driver. For some models, the check engine light must be illuminated after several driving cycles.
What causes the P0780 Fault code?
Here are some reasons why P0780 should be set.
- – Defective shift solenoid(s)
- – Filtering and oil contamination in transmission oil
- – Transmission oil with low levels
- – Clogged transmission fluid passagelines
- – Damaged wires, broken connectors, open and short circuits
- – Defective input speed or output speed sensors
- – Defective electronic pressure regulator
- – Defective transmission pump
- – Defective transmission position sensor
- – Hydraulic control unit defect
- – Gearbox mechanical failures (torque converter, clutch, etc.)
- – Rarely, defective TCM or PCM
What are the symptoms for P0780 Fault Code?
You may experience the following symptoms if your vehicle has the code P0780:
- – Check that the engine light is illuminated. In some cases, other symptoms may not appear.
- – Gear shifting difficulty or delay
- Vehicle stuck in any gear
- – Irregular gear changes
- – Gearbox slipping
- – The gearbox is overheated
- Transmission pump making a hum
- – An increase in fuel consumption
- – The vehicle enters failsafe mode, which allows one gear.
- – Other fault codes for shift solenoids
How do I fix the P0780 fault code?
The following repairs may be able to resolve the P0780 fault code:
- – Replacing a damaged or defective shift solenoid.
- Flushing of transmission fluid lines
- – Top up your transmission fluid
- – Removing and replacing dirty transmission fluid.
- – Replacing damaged cables or connectors
- – Replacing a defective transmission pump
- – Replacing an inoperable hydraulic control unit
- Repair of shorted or open cables
- – Replace defective output speed and input speed sensors
- Replacing a bad transmission position sensor
- – Repair of gearbox mechanical problems
- – Replacement of TCM or PCM in rare cases
How Serious Is the P0780 Fault Coding?
P0780 is a serious code that must be fixed immediately. Neglecting to address the problem can result in costly and long-term transmission damage.
