P1780

Park/Neutral Position Switch Malfunction

Car Fault Codes Toyota Transmission

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a workshop

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 2.5 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 900

What it means

This is a Toyota-specific code; the same number can mean a different fault on other makes. The park/neutral position switch tells the engine computer where the shift lever is, and the computer saw an illogical signal, such as two positions at once or a signal that never changes while driving. It is usually switch adjustment, the switch itself or its wiring.

Models covered: Toyota automatic-transmission models, mainly 1996–2005.

Symptoms5

Check engine light on.
Engine will not crank in Park or Neutral, or the lever must be jiggled to start.
Gear indicator on the dash does not match the lever position.
Reverse lights do not work or come on at the wrong time.
Rarely, the engine cranks in a drive gear, which is dangerous.

Possible causes5

Park/neutral position switch or shift cable out of adjustment.
Worn internal switch contacts.
Water or dirt in the switch or its connector.
Open or short in the switch wiring.
Engine or transmission computer fault (rare).

How to diagnose4

Move the lever slowly through each position while watching the switch signals on a scan tool; only one position should show at a time.
Check switch and cable adjustment per the Toyota procedure, aligning Neutral.
Inspect the connector for water or corrosion.
Check switch terminal continuity in each position against the factory chart.

How to fix4

Readjust the park/neutral position switch or the shift cable.
Clean the connector and repair wiring.
Replace the switch if its contacts are worn.
Clear the codes and confirm the engine cranks only in Park and Neutral and the reverse lights work.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Adjustment or cleaning the connector is at the low end; a new switch with labor is the high end.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can this fault let the car move when started?

In rare cases a faulty switch can allow cranking in a drive gear. Always hold the brake when starting and repair the fault promptly.

What can I check myself before the workshop?

See whether the dash gear indicator matches the lever and whether the reverse lights come on only in Reverse. Adjusting the switch and testing its contacts needs a workshop and the factory manual.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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