Error code P1780?

2001 LEXUS RX 300
220,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
My previous question was removed. However, there is huge update - suspect ECU failure. Vehicle start and running. Replaced NSW and error still active/same. All signals from NSW to ECU seems correct with solid battery voltage, no shorts between wires. I've replaced burnt bulb for "D" on dash and found - when change from "N" to "D", it takes about 3 seconds to "D" appears, same for "2" to "D". When change from "D" to "N" or "2", "D" stay on for 3-4 seconds, together with "N" or "2", then turns off. I open ECU and check for leaked capacitors and cracked soldering points - all seems OK, cleanup ground to cover. Check, and now time to change indicator changes to 5-10 seconds. It is feels as capacitor slowly charge and slowly discharge. There is JC8 on the way to dash from ECU that I plan to check, but very low chance it would be root. Also, I want to check if there is any delay from NSW to ECU - low chance since there is simple mechanical switch, so disconnect should be quick. Have no idea where to look anymore. Can you please advise what to check. Thank you.
Mar 17, 2024 at 9:55 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
When the P1780 code is set, it means the vehicle's control module has detected a malfunction within the park/neutral position switch circuit. I would try disconnecting the ABS controller to see if the action to the inductor lights gets any better. This is where the JC8 connector breaks off to the ABS system. Also did you do a CAN scan? It might be the instrument cluster itself that is bad. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:


https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ


Here are the wiring diagrams for the neutral safety switch so you can see how the system works. I don't think it can be the PCM. Here is how to change out the cluster which you can send out for testing. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on.
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:21 PM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Thank you for quick response.
I use CAN scanner - Autel MD808P.
By disconnecting ABS controller you mean skid ECU, ABS pump, or JC8 connector?
Do you have a picture how JC8 is looking, or I can try to trace it from ECU.
And you might be right about ABS, not so long time ago it was lit: check, VSC and ABS, after reset all were gone for some time and then get back only with check and VSC. We replaced VSC module, and got same results, then I found online that VSC error is always appearss when check appears.
Visually, all boards on ECU, and cluster seems okay.
BTW your wiring diagrams way better than I found online, easier to work with.

Unfortunately, it is my dad's vehicle, and I am able to work on it once per week.

Thank you again for your help!
Mar 18, 2024 at 1:03 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
If I will not find JC8 connector, I guess, I can remove pin/wire 22 from connector A23.
It should work to test, correct?
Thank you!
Mar 18, 2024 at 7:40 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Yes, I mean the ABS controller (skid ECU) the connector they don't show where that is. I would double check the wiring between the gear range sensor and the PCM. Also you may have a defective sensor or the wiring connector is not pushed down all the way, can you check that as well?
Mar 19, 2024 at 8:59 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Good morning, Ken,

Thank you, we already checked several times new and old sensors, both working, and reconnect connector and make sure it is secure.
Also, it seems I might locate, in theory, JC8. Found how it should look by part number, then search for dash wirings on sale.
I've attached pics.
I will proceed with advised steps on the weekend and report.
Thank you very much for your help, now I have an idea where to look.
Mar 19, 2024 at 9:28 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
once you go over the wiring which sounds like it is the problem but if not the PCM will be next, just to confirm you have power at the blk/wht wire at the gear range sensor with the ignition key in the "crank" position, correct?
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hello Ken,
Everything before ECU seems okay. Found JC8 connector, it sits on same bracket where ECU, looks different than found by part #. Found tester to measure capacity, seems 3 dead and one degraded capacitors. Please see attached pics. Will order capacitors and re-solder when arrived. Will post updates once proceed.
Thank you for your help!
Mar 24, 2024 at 2:13 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Can I ask if you had power at the blk/wht wire at the gear range sensor? It looks like you got it under control let me know what happens.
Mar 24, 2024 at 2:33 PM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Thank you.
On battery 11.5v now, On switch black/white -10.5v. On ECU and ABS - "D" 10.5v
Now I'm really suspect ECU capacitors, especially with measurements.
I'll keep you updated.
Thank you!
Mar 24, 2024 at 4:12 PM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hello Ken,
Today i received and replace capacitors.
Offboard 2x 10uF caps show 0. others out of range, however might still work with reduced performance.
Next weekend I'll test on vehicle and report.
Thank you again for your help!
Mar 31, 2024 at 8:21 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
That seems like low battery voltage, has the battery been tested? The black/white comes straight from the fuse panel so it should be 12 or over.

Apr 1, 2024 at 7:20 PM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Battery is okay, it discharged while checking everything. Usually, when not running, it is over 12v. Will see next weekend.
Thank you!
Apr 1, 2024 at 8:24 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Sounds good, let me know what happens.
Apr 2, 2024 at 8:24 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Same thing. Only D it's on faster sometimes. Maybe something on the speedometer part... when run live data on scanner it shows all changes right away.
Thank you!
Apr 6, 2024 at 9:40 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Not speedometer... I completely removed it. Reset error and check. After changing lever, error get back.
Apr 6, 2024 at 10:21 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I see your other question in the que it has not been approved, did you get an email for it to be approved? Because the scanner sees what gear you are in, but the cluster does not, I would send the cluster in for testing or try a used cluster to see if that fixed the problem. You might be able to take the cluster apart and see if anything is burnt. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Apr 6, 2024 at 11:23 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
It was approved, and then gone, I just created another question/thread. It is okay. Thank you.

I took a cluster apart and did not find anything suspicious. I also completely unplugged it, reset error, shift lever several times, waiting 20 seconds on each position, and got same error. Do you think 1V difference between battery and NSW might cause it?
I took ECU with me, so I will check again.

Thank you!
Apr 6, 2024 at 10:34 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I don't think 1 volt will matter, I would try a rebuilt, used cluster. I would say try a gear range sensor but the scanner seems to be able to see it working correctly.
Apr 7, 2024 at 10:15 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Thank you! I will get used cluster on eBay, hopefully will receive before next weekend to try. Will report once get any input.
Thank you!
Apr 7, 2024 at 12:01 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
You are welcome, let me know :)
Apr 8, 2024 at 10:14 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Today I received cluster, will check on weekend and report.
Thank you
Apr 17, 2024 at 12:36 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Sounds good, that should fix it.
Apr 17, 2024 at 9:39 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hello Ken,
Unfortunately, with another cluster same symptoms...
There is only left ECU or wirings under dash.
Any advice what else to check?
Thank you
Apr 20, 2024 at 11:09 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
You are on the right track, wiring or ECU, if the wiring has not been messed with I would say the ECU is bad, you can send it in for testing by searching google or ebay.
Apr 21, 2024 at 10:47 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Only testing cost at least twice more than purchase used, I purchase used one - 3 times less than test only, even there are any issues, I can return, low chance it would be same problem. Sync with immobilizer - short on OBD port pins 4 and 13 for 30minutes. Only downside - VIN number from donor, however I can re-solder chip later if would needed. As always, I'll keep you updated. Thank you!
Apr 22, 2024 at 10:32 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
You are welcome, please let us know.
Apr 23, 2024 at 10:05 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hello Ken,

Yesterday I replaced the ECU, it did not sync with the immobilizer, so I was unable to start the vehicle, but changing lever correctly shown on cluster without delays.
Today I transfer IC900 chip from original ECU to "new" and will test it next week, will keep you updated.
Thank you!
May 5, 2024 at 5:35 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
nice! we are getting closer to getting it fixed.
May 6, 2024 at 11:18 AM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hello Ken,
Seems it is working.
I was able to start the vehicle, change gears, and all seems OK.
Unable to drive it today, but next will report final tests.
Thank you for your support!
May 12, 2024 at 10:22 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Sounds good, fingers crossed!
May 12, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Avatar
MUSTK
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hello Ken,
Test drive today - all good, even shifting get better.
Thank you very much for your support!
May 18, 2024 at 10:07 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS

Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
May 20, 2024 at 11:53 AM