01 People Left Horrified After Discovering Why Airbags Sometim… • 02 The Common Mistake Nearly Half of Drivers Are Making Withou… • 03 The Underestimated Component That Eats Fuel Faster Than Any… • 04 Airbus and Boeing: The Battle of the Titans • 05 Why Does Your Transmission Stop Working When It Gets Hot? • 06 Can a Hybrid Car Be Turbo Charged or Super Charged? • 07 Volvo's Diesel Exit: A Sign of the Times or a Mistake? • 08 How to Reset a Car Computer After Replacing the Battery • 09 The Silent Sensor That Controls Half Your Engine Without No… • 10 Is It Bad to Use the AC Right After Starting the Car? •

DTC codes / P08xx · Transmission / P080C

P080CUpshift/Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Low

P080C means the transmission control module (TCM) has detected that the electrical circuit for the upshift/skip shift solenoid is drawing less current than expected, indicating a low-side fault such as an open circuit or a short to ground. This solenoid is used in automatic transmissions to enable or inhibit certain upshift patterns, including skip-shift functions that improve fuel economy and smoothness.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaTransmission

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illuminated check engine light or transmission warning light, often with no other noticeable symptoms.
  • Harsh or delayed upshifts, particularly when the transmission attempts to skip a gear.
  • Transmission may stay in a lower gear longer than normal or refuse to enter overdrive.
  • Reduced fuel economy due to altered shift scheduling.
  • In some vehicles, the transmission may enter limp mode and limit engine power.
  • A stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P080C in the TCM, sometimes accompanied by other transmission codes.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Open or high-resistance wiring in the solenoid control circuit, such as a broken wire or corroded connector.
  2. Faulty upshift/skip shift solenoid with an open internal coil.
  3. Poor electrical connection at the solenoid or TCM harness, including loose pins or water intrusion.
  4. Short to ground in the control circuit, which can cause low current detection.
  5. Failed TCM driver circuit for the solenoid, though this is less common.
  6. Internal transmission mechanical issues that affect solenoid operation, such as a stuck valve, though these typically set different codes.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Connect a scan tool and verify P080C is current or pending, then check for related transmission codes and freeze-frame data.
  2. Inspect the solenoid wiring harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins, especially near the transmission.
  3. Measure the resistance of the upshift/skip shift solenoid with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification.
  4. Check for a short to ground or open circuit in the control wire between the TCM and solenoid using a wiring diagram.
  5. Test the TCM output signal with a lab scope or bidirectional scan tool if the circuit and solenoid test good.
  6. Replace the faulty solenoid or repair the wiring as needed, then clear codes and perform a road test to verify the repair.
  7. If the code persists after electrical repairs, follow the manufacturer's diagnostic flow chart for TCM testing or replacement.

What a low solenoid circuit really means

  • A low circuit code often results from a simple open circuit, such as a broken wire or unplugged connector, rather than a failed solenoid itself.
  • Some transmissions use the skip shift solenoid only under specific conditions, so the code may set without any noticeable drivability symptom.
  • A short to ground in the control wire can mimic a failed solenoid, so always check the wire for continuity to ground before replacing parts.
  • After repairs, the TCM may require a relearn or adaptive reset procedure to restore normal shift quality, which is often overlooked.
  • This code can be set by a low battery or charging system issue that causes voltage spikes or drops, so check the battery and grounds first.

Can I keep driving with P080C?

You can usually drive with P080C, but avoid aggressive acceleration and towing until the fault is repaired, as the transmission may not shift optimally and could enter limp mode. If the vehicle feels sluggish or shifts harshly, have it diagnosed promptly to prevent further transmission damage.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

Running on fumes Free guides aren't free to make. Top up the tank. Any amount, one time. Fuel the Garage