P0780: How to Diagnose & Fix — Shift Malfunction (Shift Error)
7 vehicles · 3 makes · $150-$5,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0780: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Acura TL · 2004–2008
The third-generation TL automatic transmission is notorious for 3rd gear clutch pack failure, often between 80,000-120,000 miles. The 3rd gear clutch pack burns out due to insufficient fluid flow and a weak pressure regulator design, causing the transmission to slip, flare, or refuse to engage 3rd gear entirely.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission slips or flares when shifting to 3rd gear
- RPMs spike without acceleration in 3rd
- Harsh engagement into 3rd gear
- Check engine light with transmission codes
- Burning smell from transmission
How to Fix
Rebuild or replace the transmission with upgraded 3rd gear clutch pack and updated valve body. Use only Honda DW-1 ATF. Install an aftermarket transmission cooler to reduce operating temperatures. Change ATF every 30,000 miles to extend the life of the rebuilt unit.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda DW-1 service fluid
Verified repair fluid. Approved replacement: Genuine Honda DW-1 service fluid.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningChange the ATF every 25,000-30,000 miles religiously. The TL transmission is a known weak point, and fluid changes are the single best preventive measure. Do NOT use non-Honda ATF — it accelerates clutch pack wear.
Sources for this issue (4)
Acura ILX · 2016–2022
The 2013-2015 ILX 2.4L with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) exhibits severe shudder, jerking, and hesitation during low-speed driving. The clutch packs engage roughly in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission frequently hunts between gears on slight inclines, making city driving extremely unpleasant.
Common Symptoms
- Violent shudder from stop in 1st gear
- Jerking during low-speed acceleration
- Hesitation when pulling away from traffic lights
- Transmission hunting on slight inclines
- Grinding sensation during slow parking maneuvers
How to Fix
Update the DCT software to the latest Acura calibration which improves low-speed clutch engagement. Perform a DCT fluid change with genuine Honda DCTF. In severe cases, the clutch pack assembly needs replacement. Acura extended warranty coverage on the DCT to 7 years/100,000 miles due to widespread complaints.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningCheck if your VIN is covered under the extended DCT warranty (7yr/100k). Many owners have had full clutch pack replacements covered at no cost. Document every shudder incident with date, mileage, and conditions.
Acura Integra · 1994–1999
The Honda BAXA/MAXA 4-speed automatic in the Integra is notoriously sensitive to fluid condition and shift-solenoid contamination. Solenoid A/B failure causes flashing D4 light, harsh or missed 2-3/3-4 shifts, loss of power in D4/D3, and sometimes speedometer drop-out. Integra often faces delayed or missed shifts and manual downshifting difficulties in automatic transmissions. Shifting problems in the 1998 Integra's automatic transmission can stem from a clogged transmission filter or screen restricting fluid flow. This causes poor hydraulic pressure, leading to missed 4th gear shifts and failure to downshift. While driving, the D4 suddenly lost almost all power, wouldn't shift, and the speedometer stopped working. Codes returned were Automatic Transaxle FI A circuit failure and ELD error.
Common Symptoms
- flashing D4 indicator
- harsh 2-3 shift
- no 4th gear
- loss of power in D4/D3
- speedometer intermittent
- shift hold in gear
How to Fix
Drain-and-fill with Honda ATF-Z1/DW-1 (NEVER use generic Dexron — it will destroy the clutches). The transmission fluid in the Integra 4AT's are supposed to be changed every 3 years/36,000 mi. It can cook and wear out just like the oil in your engine. Pull codes with a Honda jumper or scan tool; the lock-up and shift solenoids are external, three-bolt parts accessible from the engine bay and often just need cleaning. A screwed up lock-up solenoid will give you a general CEL #70 (Automatic Transaxle); the solenoid is totally accessible from the engine bay and costs less than $200 to replace. It's held in place by three bolts.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda 08200-9008 ATF DW-1 (ATF-Z1), 2 quarts
Repair fluid Honda/Acura automatics requiring ATF-Z1 or DW-1; the issue is specifically the Integra four-speed automatic.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningUse only Honda ATF-Z1 or DW-1. Generic ATF causes shift flare and premature failure.
- TipPull the specific solenoid code before condemning the transmission — a $150 solenoid often fixes it.
Sources for this issue (2)
Honda Pilot · 2003–2004
Honda Prelude · 1997–2001
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P0780 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0780 mean?
P0780 stands for "Shift Malfunction (Shift Error)." P0780 is a general transmission code indicating the control module detected a shift malfunction — the transmission did not change gears correctly or did not achieve the commanded gear during a shift. It is often a 'parent' code that accompanies more specific solenoid or gear-ratio codes that pinpoint which shift failed. Symptoms can include harsh, slipping, delayed, or missed shifts, and possibly limp mode. It is generally drivable short-term but should be diagnosed promptly to prevent transmission damage.
What are the most common causes of P0780?
The most common causes of P0780 are: Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid, Faulty shift solenoid(s), Worn internal clutches/bands or valve body wear, Wiring or connector faults in the transmission circuit, Stuck valve body passages from debris, Faulty transmission control module, Internal mechanical transmission wear. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0780?
Repair costs for P0780 range from $150 to $5,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0780?
Au7o has documented P0780 across 7 vehicle models from 3 manufacturers: Acura, Honda, Lexus.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.