P1780 – Transmission Control Switch Circuit is Out of Self-Test Range (FORD, LINCOLN, MAZDA, MERCURY)

By Mia (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2017-07-14
ASE Master Tech

Code	Fault Location	Probable Cause
P1780	P1780 – Transmission Control Switch Circuit is Out of Self-Test Range (FORD, LINCOLN, MAZDA, MERCURY) (Buy Part On Amazon)

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Manufacturer Specific Definitions for P1780

Make	Fault Location
Acura	AT – gear shift malfunction
Buick	Park Neutral Position Switch Circuit
Cadillac	Park Neutral Position Switch Circuit
Chevrolet	Engine control module (ECM), controller area network (CAN) data bus -lost communication with transmission control module (TCM)
Citroen	Trans Control Switch (O/D Cancel) Out of Self Test Range
Daewoo	Eng Torque Sig Err(Can Comm)
Ford	Transmission Control Switch Circuit is Out of Self-Test Range
Gm	Park Neutral Position Switch Circuit (MS74-Speed Transaxle)
Hyundai	Battery Voltage High
Infiniti	AT- shift change – signal malfunction
Kia	Transmission control module (TCM) – ignition advance circuit malfunction
Land Rover	Transmission mode selection switch – 0/D Cancel
Lexus	Park/neutral position (PNP) switch – circuit malfunction
Lincoln	Overdrive selection switch
Mazda	Transmission control switch – out of self-test range
Mercury	Overdrive selection switch
Nissan	Automatic transmission shift change – signal malfunction
Opel	Throttle position (TP) sensor,traction control - circuit malfunction
Peugeot	Trans Control Switch (O/D Cancel) Out of Self Test Range
Pontiac	Engine control module (ECM), controller areanetwork (CAN) data bus -lost communication withtransmission control module (TCM)
Saturn	Transmission control module (TCM), MIL ONrequest -transmission malfunction
Toyota	Park/neutral position (PNP) switch - circuit malfunction

What Does Code P1780 Mean?
What are the common causes of code P1780?
What are the symptoms of code P1780?
How do you troubleshoot code P1780?
Get Help with P1780

What Does Code P1780 Mean?

Many older Ford vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission have a transmission control switch (TCS) built into the gear selector. When the TCS button is pushed, the transmission is prevented from going into overdrive. The transmission control switch lamp (TCSL) is also illuminated when the TCS button is pressed. Code P1780 indicates the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a fault with the TCS/TCSL circuit.

A typical transmission control switch and circuit

(Courtesy: justanswer.com)

What are the common causes of code P1780?

Faulty transmission control switch
Wiring problems
Failed transmission control indicator lamp
Powertrain control module problems

What are the symptoms of code P1780?

Symptoms associated with code P1780 may include a transmission that will no go into or come out of overdrive, an inoperative TCS indicator lamp and an illuminated check engine light.

How do you troubleshoot code P1780?

Start by visually inspecting the transmission control switch. Look for a damaged button, loose wiring etc. Repair as needed. Next, check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) about the concern. If no problems are found, move forward with a sequential diagnosis of the system. Refer to the manufacturer’s service information for the exact diagnostic process.

It’s a good idea to obtain the factory wiring diagram before proceeding with diagnosis. Autozone offers free online repair manuals for many vehicles under their repair help section (http://www.autozone.com/repairinfo) and ALLDATA offers single vehicle subscriptions (http://www.alldata.com/oe-info-student-and-diyer).

Test the power side of the circuit

Gain access to the transmission control switch connector and disconnect it. Turn the vehicle ignition on and use a test light to check for power to the TCS. To do this, connect a test light between the battery negative terminal and the TCS B+ terminal on the harness side of the connector. The light should illuminate. If it does not, there is a problem on the power side of the circuit. Consult the factory wiring diagram and repair the power side of the circuit as necessary.

A typical transmission control switch circuit

(Courtesy: ALLDATA)

Check the ground side of the circuit

Gain access the transmission control switch connector and disconnect it. Then, use a test light to check for TCS ground. Connect the test light between the battery positive terminal and the TCS ground terminal on the harness side of the connector. The light should illuminate. If it does not, there is a problem on the ground side of the circuit. Consult the factory wiring diagram and repair the ground side of the circuit as necessary.

Check the transmission control switch

Gain access the transmission control switch and disconnect the TCS from it’s connector. Then, use a digital multimeter (DMM) set to ohms to test the TCS. Connect the meter between each of the switch terminals while pressing the TCS button. According to Ford, the meter should read less than 5 ohms with the switch depressed. With the switch released, the meter should read more than 10k ohms. If the readings are not within specification, the switch is faulty and should be replaced. If the switch reads out of limits (OL) with button pushed, it should also be replaced, since this indicates an open circuit.

A typically transmission control switch and transmission control indicator lamp circuit

(Courtesy: ALLDATA)

Check the transmission control indicator lamp circuit

Generally, the transmission control indicator lamp receives power from the same source as the transmission control switch. So, if the TCS how power, the TCIL should also. To test the TCIL circuit, disconnect both the TCS connector and the corresponding connector at the powertrain control module (PCM). Turn the ignition off. Connect a DMM set to ohms between the B+ terminal on the switch side of the TCS connector and the TCIL terminal on the connector side of the PCM connector. The meter should read a numerical value. If it reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the TCIL and PCM, or the TCIL bulb has failed. Consult the factory wiring diagram and repair the ground side of the circuit as necessary.

Connect meter as shown above

Check powertrain control module operation

If everything tests OK up to this point, the powertrain control module may be faulty. To check PCM operation, first remove the transmission control switch/transmission control indicator lamp connector at the PCM. Turn the ignition off. Connect a meter lead set to ohms between the PCM TCS terminal and the negative battery terminal. Push the TCS button – the meter should read a numeric value. A reading of limits (OL) indicates the PCM is not supplying ground as it should. Repeat this same test for the TCIL portion of the circuit by connecting the meter leads between the PCM TCIL terminal and ground. Once again , if the meter reads OL, the PCM might be faulty. However, PCMs rarely fail, so it’s a good idea to recheck all of your steps up to this point before replacing the PCM.

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