P0780 Transmission did not complete a shift the way the computer expected

Shift error

P0780 in short

P0780 means the transmission computer commanded a shift and it did not happen as expected. Bulletins trace it to an oil pressure switch on many Mazdas, software on the 2021 Rogue, and a hydraulic problem or missed relearn after repairs on some Hondas. Have it inspected soon and check for a bulletin.

When the transmission computer commands a shift, it checks speeds and pressure switches to confirm it happened. P0780 is a general shift error, set when that check fails without pointing at one gear.

Mazda links it to an oil pressure switch on 2012–2021 models with the automatic transaxle warning light on. Nissan has a software update and procedure for the 2021 Rogue. Honda and Acura bulletins cover P0780 after a solenoid or transmission has been replaced, and Honda linked one case on the 2001 Odyssey to a hydraulic fault.

Note any other codes stored with it, since they usually narrow the cause.

Most likely causes

  1. Transmission oil pressure switch (Mazda)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mazda bulletins list P0780 with oil pressure switch codes and say the condition is caused by the oil pressure switch.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Mazda with P0842, P0847, P0872 or P0877 also stored.

  2. Transmission computer software (2021 Rogue)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan confirms the transmission computer part number, reprograms it if needed and runs a procedure for P0780.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered 2021 Rogue that has not had the update.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  3. Set after a solenoid or transmission was replaced (Honda, Acura)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda and Acura bulletins cover P0780 appearing after a solenoid or transmission is removed and replaced.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared right after transmission work on a covered Honda or Acura.

  4. Mechanical problem in the hydraulic system

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda ties P0780 on the 2001 Odyssey to a mechanical problem in the hydraulic system.
    What would change this
    Rises if the shift problem is felt while driving and no electrical fault is found.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared. Note every code, not just this one.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for a P0780 bulletin or software update for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a transmission shop watch commanded and actual gear, pressure switch states and line pressure on a road test.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data and output controls

    Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift, often with pressure gauges, and needs the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Automatic transaxle warning light on some Mazdas
  • Harsh, late or missing shifts Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Transmission stuck in one gear (limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open P0780 bulletin or software update. Mazda, Nissan, Honda and Acura have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0780 unless a test points to it. Nissan's fix is an update to the existing module.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Mazda

  • 2013–2021 · CX-5

    Supported by vehicle data

    Mazda 05-002-23 covers P0780 with oil pressure switch codes and the automatic transaxle warning light. The Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3 and CX-9 are also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the transaxle

  • 05-002-23Status unverified

    Check engine and AT warning lights with P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738

    2012–2021mazda3, mazda6, cx-3, cx-5, cx-9 · issued · NHTSA 10237199

    The check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light can come on with one or more of these codes. Earlier versions say the oil pressure switch is the cause. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Nissan

  • 2021 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB22-093 checks and updates the transmission computer for P0780. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • NTB22-093Status unverified

    P0780 (shift error) stored in the transmission computer

    2021rogue · issued · NHTSA 10226063

    Confirm the transmission computer part number, reprogram it if applicable, and follow the procedure. The code may be past or current. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Honda

  • 2001–2004 · Odyssey

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda 06012004 covers P0780 after a solenoid or transmission is replaced on 2002–2004 models, and 161200 links it to a hydraulic problem on the 2001. The bulletins are on NHTSA, but whether they are still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 06012004Status unverified

    P0780 after a solenoid or transmission is removed and replaced

    2002–2004accord, odyssey · issued · NHTSA 10014176

    Covers the 2003 Accord and 2002–2004 Odyssey. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 161200Status unverified

    P0780, mechanical problem in the hydraulic system

    2001odyssey · issued · NHTSA 615804

    Links P0780 to a mechanical hydraulic problem. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Acura

  • 2000–2003 · TL

    Supported by vehicle data

    Acura 105 covers P0780 after a solenoid or transmission is replaced. The CL is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 105Status unverified

    P0780 after solenoid or transmission removal and replacement

    2000–2003cl, tl · issued · NHTSA 10009013

    Tech line summary for the 2001–2003 CL and 2000–2003 TL. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0780. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0780 can be that code, so fix P0780 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0731Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in first gear

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0780 is a general shift error, while P0731 points at one gear. Both are transmission shift checks.

All Transmission codes

P0780 questions

What does P0780 mean in plain terms?

The transmission was told to shift and the computer could not confirm the shift happened correctly. Other stored codes usually show why.

Is it safe to drive with P0780?

Have it inspected soon. Toyota tells owners to get the car checked right away when the light is on for the transmission. If it will not shift or slips, get it checked before relying on it.

Why did P0780 appear after my transmission was repaired?

Honda and Acura have bulletins for exactly this. Ask the shop that did the work to follow them.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  2. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  3. Mazda 05-002-23: Check engine and AT warning lights with P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738 — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  4. Mazda 05-003-20: Check engine and AT warning lights with P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738 — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  5. Nissan NTB22-093: P0780 (shift error) stored in the TCM — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. Honda 06012004: P0780 after a solenoid or automatic transmission is removed and replaced — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  7. Acura Tech Line 105: P0780 after solenoid or transmission removal and replacement — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  8. Honda 161200: P0780, mechanical problem in the hydraulic system — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  9. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  10. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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