Transmission Control System Malfunction
The P0700 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Transmission Control System Malfunction. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Limited driving only
- DIY difficulty
- medium
- Estimated cost
- $50-$200 for solenoids; $500-$3,500 for transmission rebuild
Read and clear transmission codes. Many trans codes are caused by low or burnt fluid -- check level and color before assuming the worst.
Basic scanners only read engine codes. This reads transmission, ABS, and airbag too.
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light and transmission warning light on
- Harsh or erratic shifting
- Vehicle may be stuck in one gear (limp mode)
- Transmission slipping
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Fault in the transmission control module (TCM) or its circuits High
- Hydraulic fault in the transmission (solenoid, pressure) High
- Wiring fault in transmission control circuit Moderate
- Low or contaminated transmission fluid Moderate
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0700 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2019 Dodge Ram/Charger/Chrysler 300 easy (sensor), hard (solenoid pack) DIY
P0700 is a generic transmission code -- you need to pull the specific trans codes (P07xx) with a scanner. On Chrysler/Dodge, the most common root cause is the transmission output speed sensor (Mopar) or solenoid pack failure. Check the ATF fluid condition first -- dark or burnt fluid indicates internal damage. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 30 min (speed sensor), 2 hours (solenoid pack)2010-2019 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain 2.4L/3.6L easy (fluid), hard (internal repair) DIY
P0700 on GM vehicles often accompanies P0717 or P0776. The 6T40/6T45 transmission has a known issue with wave plate failure causing a hard 1-2 shift. Check for trans codes first. If the trans is slipping, a rebuild may be needed. Fluid change with ACDelco Dexron VI is a good first step if fluid is dark. Your dealer can confirm whether an open service bulletin or warranty extension applies to your VIN.
Labor: 30 min (fluid change)2005-2017 Nissan Altima/Pathfinder CVT easy (fluid), hard (CVT replacement) DIY
P0700 on Nissan CVT transmissions is a red flag for CVT failure. Nissan JATCO CVT units are known to fail around 80-120K miles. Check for shuddering and whining. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/120K on some models. Check with the dealer before paying out of pocket. A CVT fluid drain and fill can buy time -- use the genuine Nissan fluid your year specifies (NS-2 on earlier units, NS-3 from roughly the early 2010s).
Labor: 30 min (fluid drain and fill)2008-2019 Honda Accord/Civic Automatic easy (fluid) DIY
P0700 on Honda often points to the transmission range switch (Neutral safety switch) or a failed torque converter lockup solenoid. Pull the specific sub-codes first. CHECK WHICH TRANSMISSION YOU HAVE BEFORE BUYING FLUID: conventional Honda automatics take ATF-DW1, but Honda CVTs (most Civic from 2014, Accord from 2013, plus HR-V and Fit) require HCF-2 instead, and DW-1 will damage a CVT. Neither is interchangeable with generic Dexron. On a conventional automatic, a fluid drain and fill (3x3 method) often resolves early shift problems.
Labor: 30 min (fluid change)Frequently Asked Questions
Does P0700 mean my transmission is ruined?
Not necessarily. P0700 is a gateway code that just means a transmission fault exists. Read the accompanying specific codes. Many P0700 issues are caused by a single failed solenoid or sensor and are relatively inexpensive to fix.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis, and what most sources get wrong
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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P0700 is a generic indicator: it means the TCM has detected a fault and illuminated the MIL. Always scan for additional transmission-specific codes (P07xx range) which will identify the exact fault.
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Check transmission fluid level and condition. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates serious wear.
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Inspect the transmission wiring harness at the transmission connector for damaged or corroded pins.
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With additional codes, diagnose the specific solenoid, sensor, or circuit identified.
Common Misconceptions / Fact Check
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Commonly claimedP0700 tells you exactly what is wrong with the transmission.
VerifiedP0700 is a general flag: it records that the transmission control module stored a fault and illuminated the light. The specific fault is held in the companion code (typically a P07xx or P0Bxx); those identify the failure.
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
P0700 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- Dodge Caravan and Ram (very common)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty
- Chrysler Town and Country
- Ford vehicles (5R55 and 6R80 transmissions)
Related Codes
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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