P2780 — Downshift Switch Circuit Low

P2780: Downshift Switch Circuit Low — what it means, the affected system and what to check before replacing parts.

Meaning, symptoms, causes and checks

P2780 reports a low electrical signal in the downshift request switch circuit. The code does not confirm that a downshift was performed or identify the faulty part.

Affected system: Powertrain

Symptoms

  • Warning light may illuminate
  • Related system function may be impaired
  • Vehicle-specific symptoms vary

Possible causes

  • Transmission fluid, hydraulic, solenoid, connector, or control-circuit issue
  • Related wiring, connector, power or ground fault
  • Vehicle-specific mechanical or control issue

What to check

  • Record stored and pending codes and freeze-frame data
  • Compare commanded and actual transmission data, inspect fluid condition and level according to the vehicle procedure, then test the relevant circuit and solenoid.
  • Confirm measured values against the vehicle service information
  • Retest under the conditions that set the code
  • Compare commanded and actual transmission data, inspect fluid condition and level according to the vehicle procedure, then test the relevant circuit and solenoid.
  • Repair the verified cause and confirm the code does not return

Also written as: P2780-00, P278000 (some scan tools add the fault-type byte, e.g. -00).