P1790: Fault logged immediately after a shift (Chrysler, Dodge)

Chrysler P1790 fault immediately after shift

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

We found no maker document that rates this code, and owner and dealer readouts show it stored beside gear ratio and line pressure codes, so treat it as a sign of a real transmission problem and have it checked.

It gets more serious if:

Inspect soon: Have it inspected soon if the transmission slips, shifts harshly, clunks or goes into limp mode, as owners with this code report.

Source: how we rate severity

P1790 in short

On Chrysler and Dodge vehicles, P1790 means the transmission computer logged a fault immediately after a shift. Owner readouts show it beside gear ratio and line pressure codes such as P0731, P0734 and P0868, so the underlying problem is usually inside the transmission. Get it scanned and checked soon.

Two sources describe P1790 the same way on Chrysler and Dodge: 'fault immediately after shift'. It reads as a flag rather than a stand-alone fault: the transmission computer notes that a problem showed up right after it commanded a gear change.

In owner and dealer readouts on Town and Country, Journey, Chrysler 200 and Grand Caravan, P1790 appears together with gear ratio errors (P0731, P0733, P0734, P0736), low line pressure (P0868) and loss of pump prime (P0944). Several of those owners were quoted a transmission replacement.

This page speaks only for Chrysler and Dodge. TroubleCodes.net lists Jeep and Ram with the same wording, but we have no owner readout for them, and other makes use P1790 for different faults.

Pick your make

P1790 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: The gear ratio or line pressure fault stored beside it
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
In every readout we read, P1790 sits beside gear ratio and pressure codes, and some owners were quoted transmission replacement or told of burnt fluid.
What would change this
Rises if gear ratio codes (P073x) or P0868 are stored with it, or the fluid is dark and burnt. Falls if P1790 is the only code and the transmission shifts normally.
Cause 2: Transmission control module or its programming
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
One 2015 Town and Country owner reports P0731, P0792 and P1790 appearing after the TCM was replaced, and a 2010 owner was told the engine control module could be faulty. These are single reports, so this ranks low.
What would change this
Rises if the codes began right after module replacement or battery work. Falls if gear ratio faults are confirmed mechanically.
How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

What to test first

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

Step 1: Read every stored code and the freeze-frame data, and write down which gear ratio or pressure codes (P0731 to P0736, P0868, P0944) are stored with P1790.
Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module
- IfGear ratio or line pressure codes are stored with P1790
  It meansWork from those codes; P1790 is the flag that followed them.
  Go to step 2
- IfP1790 is the only code
  It meansCheck fluid and shifting, then ask a shop to review live data.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Check the transmission fluid level and condition as the owner's manual describes, and note a burnt smell or dark colour.
Use caution
Warning:The transmission and exhaust are hot after driving, and checking fluid with the engine running puts hands near moving parts; follow the manual's procedure and let the car cool.
- IfFluid is low, dark or smells burnt
  It meansInternal wear is likely; stop towing or hard driving and get a transmission shop to inspect.
  Points to: The gear ratio or line pressure fault stored beside it
- IfFluid looks normal
  It meansHave a shop check live pressure and shift data and the module.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Have a transmission shop road-test the vehicle and check line pressure, solenoid and clutch data, and the module's software level.
Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, pressure gauge
Warning:Pressure testing needs the vehicle on a lift or road-tested with gauges attached to a live transmission; leave it to a shop.
- IfPressure or gear ratio is out of range
  It meansThe transmission has a mechanical or hydraulic fault.
  Points to: The gear ratio or line pressure fault stored beside it
- IfHydraulics test normal and codes began after module work
  It meansCheck module software and replacement.
  Points to: Transmission control module or its programming

Symptoms

Clunking or grinding noises during shifts
Harsh or long shifts Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Limp mode or loss of power while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Burnt-smelling transmission fluid

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

Parts and cost context

Transmission control module (TCM):Rarely the root cause here; owners with P1790 were mostly quoted internal transmission repairs. Labor varies; get a written diagnosis first.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chrysler

2010–2016 · Town and Country
Supported by vehicle data
Owner readouts for 2010 to 2016 Town and Country list P1790 beside P0731, P0734, P0868, P083B and P0944 and transmission replacement.
2014 · 200
Supported by vehicle data
A 2014 Chrysler 200 owner reports P0128, P0734 and P1790 with burnt fluid and a transmission replacement quote.

Dodge

2010 · Journey
Supported by vehicle data
A 2010 Journey readout lists P1790 'fault immediately after shift' with gear ratio, pressure switch and pump prime codes.
2019 · Grand Caravan
Supported by vehicle data
2019 Grand Caravan owners report P1790 with P0868, P083B, P0736 and P0733 and a failed transmission.

All Transmission codes

P1790 questions

Does P1790 mean the same on a Honda or Toyota?

No. TroubleCodes.net lists different meanings for Honda, Toyota, Lexus, GM and others, so this page only covers Chrysler and Dodge.

Sources and review

NHTSA owner and dealer readouts quoting P1790 on Chrysler and Dodge vans and sedans (ODI 1760607, 916706, 1875050, 1979852) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
TroubleCodes.net: P1790 manufacturer-specific definitions — TroubleCodes.net (BAT Auto)

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: The gear ratio or line pressure fault stored beside it

Cause 2: Transmission control module or its programming

What to test first

Step 1: Read every stored code and the freeze-frame data, and write down which gear ratio or pressure codes (P0731 to P0736, P0868, P0944) are stored with P1790.

Step 2: Check the transmission fluid level and condition as the owner's manual describes, and note a burnt smell or dark colour.

Step 3: Have a transmission shop road-test the vehicle and check line pressure, solenoid and clutch data, and the module's software level.