P0790 code meaning
Normal/Performance Switch Circuit
What P0790 means
P0790 is the circuit fault of the normal/performance (sport or power program) selector of an automatic transmission – the older single code that preceded the mode switch codes P071A ff; the early J2012 list still called it 'circuit malfunction'. The switch is usually a button to ground or a resistor ladder; a fault is an invalid level, a permanently pressed button or an open circuit. No manufacturer document available to us describes it; GM uses P05D0–P05D3 for its drive mode selector today. The sport program is then unavailable or permanently on.
P0790 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0790
- Sport or performance program unavailable or always on
- Mode indicator missing or flashing
Common causes of P0790
- Most likelyButton faulty or sticking
- PossibleWire or connector open or shorted
- PossibleLiquid in the console
- Less likelyControl module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Transmission mode switchSwitch wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P0790 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 90 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0790 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0790
What does P0790 mean?
P0790 means "Normal/Performance Switch Circuit". P0790 is the circuit fault of the normal/performance (sport or power program) selector of an automatic transmission – the older single code that preceded the mode switch codes P071A ff; the early J2012 list still called it 'circuit malfunction'. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0790?
P0790 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0790 fail an emissions test?
P0790 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0790 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0790 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.