Are you coming across a new code, P0780 shift malfunction, on the dashboard of your car? You must be worried about what consequences you may go through for this. But if you know the indication of it, you can resolve this and prevent further issues.
So, what does P0780 shift malfunction mean?
The code, P0780, means your car is having issues with the functioning of the transmission. Precisely, your car has a non-uniform fluid flow, which results in abnormal shifting of gears. Thus, the code pops up on the dashboard.
This is just a brief of what it means. Now, if you read along, you can get detailed info about it with many other relevant insights.
Let’s get started, then!
What Does the Code P0780 Mean on Cars? Explained in Detail
There are numerous codes that can pop up on the dashboard of our cars. One of the crucial codes is P0780 which many of us are not well concerned about. So, what does the code P0780 mean?
Well, the code P0780 simply means the computer of your car has detected an issue with the shifting of the transmission of your car. Now, coming to the details, it goes far beyond just the shifting.
So, what exactly is the Honda accord p0780 shift malfunctioning? To be precise, the movement and shifting of your gear get abnormal in this situation. This mainly happens when the fluid inside is not flowing uniformly.
As a result, the ratio of the actual gear to the standard is not balanced anymore based on the engine outputs. Due to this, there is a variance in the gear with throttle positions, engine speed, and others.
Thus, your car computer detects the issue of the transmission and sets the code P0780 that pops up on the dashboard of your car. So, that is what you need to understand when you see the code on your car.
What Are the Symptoms of the Transmission Malfunctioning?
If you can address the symptoms of a problem at an early stage, you are already on the fix to it. So, it is very important to identify the symptoms you come across. Now, here we have covered the symptoms of this problem.
- The ‘check engine’ light might blink suddenly and go off.
- Shifting the gear would be really rigid at times.
- You may feel a bit of warmth when you place your hand around the transmission area.
- Slipping of transmission.
- A significant decrease in fuel economy.
So, these are the main symptoms you may experience for a malfunctioning transmission. However, you need to understand that these symptoms might not always be present even if the problem exists.
What Are the Causes of the Code P0780?
The code P0780 does not just pop up all of a sudden without any past consequences. Rather, there are some valid reasons behind this issue. So, here we have covered the causes behind this problem. Take a look.
Reason 1: Dirty Transmission Fluid
The first reason behind this would be dirty transmission fluid. Many people are not able to use clean and compatible transmission fluids for their cars. Due to this, the fluid fails to lubricate the internal parts of the transmission properly.
Besides, the dirt particles start wearing out the parts internally. As a result, the gear shifting does not remain smooth, so the transmission shifting functions abnormally.
Reason 2: Low Transmission Fluid
Another common reason for this could be the low transmission fluid. Due to this, the internal parts of the transmission have more friction which heats up the system.
As a result, the internal parts wear out quickly; hence, the transmission malfunctions while shifting.
Reason 3: Internal Blockages
Sometimes, the internal parts start having blockages with time. So, how does this happen? Well, this mainly happens if you do not change the transmission fluid for a very long time.
If you don’t change it, the fluid starts congregating and condensing, which results in a clog. Due to this, internal blockages disrupt the proper flow of transmission fluid.
Reason 4: A Faulty PCM or TCM
A powertrain control module(PCM) plays a vital role in the functioning of the transmission and engine. So, if the PCM of your car is faulty, you have a high chance of your transmission malfunctioning.
Just like that, a TCM (Transmission Control Module) could also be responsible for this. However, this is a rare scenario compared to the other causes.
So, these are the reasons behind the problem of transmission shifting.
How Do I Fix the Code P0780?
Fixing the problem of shift malfunction can change from time to time. This is because you need to diagnose at which point the problem is. So, here we have covered the entire process of what to do after what.
Step 1: Refill the Transmission Fluid
The first thing you need to do is take off the current fluid and refill it. Make sure the fluid is entirely new and fresh. Don’t forget to refill it completely; keeping it empty would not resolve this problem.
Step 2: Replace the Transmission Pan
Once you refill the transmission fluid, you need to ride your car for about 4 to 5 minutes. This is to see if there is any burning smell. You would most probably smell something which means you need to replace the transmission pan.
So, get a new pan and replace the old one with it.
Step 3: Replace the Solenoid
After following the previous steps, if you see the shift still malfunctions, the fault is probably with the solenoid. That means the solenoid may have gone bad.
If you plan to fix it yourself, you might be wrong. So, take the help of an expert to diagnose the solenoid further and replace it as needed.
These are the steps to follow to fix the problem with your car.
How Do I Prevent My Car from Shift Malfunction?
Preventing a problem is wise to do when you know what to do. Having said that, preventing your car from having a shift malfunctioning is not that hard. You just have to ensure a few simple things. So, take a look here.
- The first thing you must do is change the transmission fluid with time. You need to change it after every 50,000 miles of the ride; if you can, then change it after every 30.000 miles.
- Try to clean the transmission of your car once a year.
- Make sure you do not use any low-quality fluid for your transmission.
- Clean your transmission filter after every 25,000 miles of the ride.
- Try not to overrun your car, like going on a long journey without a break.
So, these are the measures you can take to prevent your car from shift malfunctioning.
How Serious Is the Code P0780?
In general, P0780 can be quite serious if you are not able to address the problem on time. This is because the code is directly related to the transmission of your car. That means anything serious with it could mean your car to not run properly.
So, that is going to cost you a lot as transmission repairs are mostly expensive. However, if you are fortunate enough to address the symptoms at an early stage, it would not be that problematic.
Thus, you have to be very careful about addressing and fixing the problem on time for no further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you do not get the code P0780 in both automatic and manual transmissions. This one is applicable only to cars with an automatic transmission. If you have a car with manual gear, it may become rigid while having this type of issue.
Yes, there are some similar codes that may indicate a problem related to P0780. A code known as P0755 is directly related to it, which means you need to diagnose your gear immediately. Although P0755 is mainly about the solenoid, you still can not just stick to that only.
Yes, there could be a cost involved in fixing the code P0780 at times. However, if you can identify the symptoms and work on them at the earliest time, there might be no high cost. On the other hand, severe issues can cost you a handful amount.
Final Words
Now you know what the code P0780 Shift Malfunction means! We believe you now have no more confusion regarding what to do when you see this.
So, we have come to an end, but before we sign off, here is the last tip for you. If you see any code with ‘P,’ diagnose your gear as it can be related to the transmission.
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