Low or degraded transmission fluid; Worn clutches or bands; Faulty shift solenoid or valve body; Low line pressure; Faulty speed sensor.

P0780: Shift Error

Q: What does P0780 mean?

P0780: Shift Error. The transmission control module compares input and output shaft speeds. This code means a commanded shift did not happen correctly or took too long.

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0780?

Severity: High. Limit driving and diagnose promptly. Continued driving can cause damage, stalling or limp mode.

P0780 means Shift Error. The transmission control module compares input and output shaft speeds. This code means a commanded shift did not happen correctly or took too long.

CodeP0780

SystemTransmission

SeverityHigh

TypeGeneric powertrain

Can I keep driving? Limit driving and diagnose promptly. Continued driving can cause damage, stalling or limp mode.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Slipping (RPM flares without acceleration)
Delayed engagement or harsh shifts
Limp mode

Possible causes

Low or degraded transmission fluid
Worn clutches or bands
Faulty shift solenoid or valve body
Low line pressure
Faulty speed sensor

How to diagnose P0780

Check fluid level and condition (burnt smell, debris).
Check for solenoid or speed sensor codes.
Check line pressure.
Internal repair may be needed if fluid and electrical checks are fine.

What the code means, digit by digit

PPowertrain0Generic (SAE) code7Sub-system80Specific fault

Generic codes have the same definition on every OBD-II vehicle (petrol cars from model year 1996 in the US, 2001 in the EU; diesels later). Manufacturers can add their own enhanced codes; those are not listed here.

Related codes

General guidance only. Fault codes describe what the engine computer saw, not which part failed: confirm with testing before replacing parts, and follow the vehicle's service information.