p1780 cel park neutral switch error with erratic dash indicator lights

[Mountain Fun]

I just wanted to share a problem I recently had and the fix I discovered for it. Hope this helps some people out. I was driving my truck recently and the check engine light came on, the truck was running fine so I figured it was just an O2 sensor or something like that. Got home and pulled the code and it was a p1780 code. This is the park/neutral switch error. This occurs when the neutral safety switch sends a signal to the ecu that the truck is in park or neutral while driving. I was also getting erratic dash indicator lights tied to the ect button and the lights and high beams. I did a lot of research and the problem turned out to be the printed plate combination board on the dash's gauge cluster.

This is a super easy fix and the part only cost $75 from Toyota. Don't waste your money taking it to the dealership. Here is a video I made showing the problems and the board itself. Hope this helps some people out.

Here is the link to the video if it doesn't open below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuwCGu1WwQU&t=25s

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QuwCGu1WwQU" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[jtnumberthree]

Just had the same issue a couple weeks ago. I thought the new pcbs were more expensive from Toyota (based on what I was told)......I ended up buying a used cluster from a 2000 4Runner off Craigslist for $60. Problem fixed and I lost about 85k off the odometer......

 

[TomBrown11]

p1780 diagnosis?

Hello,
I'm new to the forum, so apologies if my reply is in the wrong place.

I read the OP, and I have a p1780 code as well, but i'm curious how you found out that your code required the solution that you found.

I'm happy to just get a new 'park neutral position switch' (and/or O2 sensor) and replace it, but I don't know if that will solve the issue, and if another part needs servicing.

What could you recommend I do to diagnose? No issues when driving, no issues shifting, etc.
Thank you!

 

[phattyduck]

Hello,
I'm new to the forum, so apologies if my reply is in the wrong place.

I read the OP, and I have a p1780 code as well, but i'm curious how you found out that your code required the solution that you found.

I'm happy to just get a new 'park neutral position switch' (and/or O2 sensor) and replace it, but I don't know if that will solve the issue, and if another part needs servicing.

What could you recommend I do to diagnose? No issues when driving, no issues shifting, etc.
Thank you!

The solution was already posted. I also had the same issue. It will likely show issues with lights on the gear position indicator showing the wrong things (multiple lights on at the same time, or similar). Same thing happened to me. New flex PCB fixed it right up.

Here's the numbers for a '99 SR5 (and new front clear lens)

-Charlie

 

[amberistheone]

What about a Limited? Part is discontinued for the Limited trim pkg

Hello -
I have the p1780 code, 'R' light is on and I'm stuck in safety 2nd gear. I have a 1999 4Runner Limited and the part number is: 83861-3D270 which is no longer available. Wondering if anyone has used 83861-3D260 on a Limited to resolve this issue? Thinking my only option might be to replace the whole cluster. Any and all help/thoughts welcome.
Thank you.

 

[phattyduck]

Hello -
I have the p1780 code, 'R' light is on and I'm stuck in safety 2nd gear. I have a 1999 4Runner Limited and the part number is: 83861-3D270 which is no longer available. Wondering if anyone has used 83861-3D260 on a Limited to resolve this issue? Thinking my only option might be to replace the whole cluster. Any and all help/thoughts welcome.
Thank you.

It looks like 2 jumpers are missing on the "60" part that would be needed to drive the 4WD lights on the Limited. I'm not sure what else might be different. If you are handy with soldering, it would likely be pretty easy to fix... if you aren't - well...

Take your cluster out and carefully compare with what is pictured above. If the printed part of the flex circuit is the same (same text around the "Yazaki Meter" text), then you can swap parts and make it work.

-Charlie

 

[amberistheone]

Thanks, Charlie. That’s a great suggestion, much appreciated!