The P0700 code is an OBD-II trouble code that stands for “Transmission Control System Malfunction.” This code may appear with other transmission codes or shift solenoid codes.
In this article, I will be talking about the P0700 trouble code, its symptoms, causes, and how to fix it.
- What Does The P0700 Code Mean?
- Which Models Are Affected By The P0700 Code
- What Are The Possible Causes of the P0700 Code?
- What Are The Common Symptoms of The P0700 Code?
- Is It Safe To Drive With a P0700 Code?
- How To Diagnose The P0700 Code
- Most Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0700 Code
- How Much Does It Cost To Repair P0700 Code?
- What Repairs Can Fix The P0700 Code?
- How To Fix The P0700 Code
- In Conclusion
What Does The P0700 Code Mean?
The P0700 trouble code means that the management software of a vehicle has detected a problem with the transmission control system. Modern vehicles come with numerous modules, each of which communicates with the others to maximize operational efficiency.
Similarly, the operating software of a vehicle can identify any faults that have been stored within a particular module. When the PCM of a vehicle detects a serious operational fault in one of its modules, the check engine light (and/or transmission light) is illuminated to alert the driver of the problem.
The PCM of the vehicle has detected an operational fault in the transmission’s information-sending and receiving control system, as indicated by diagnostic trouble code P0700.
A defect often hinders a transmission’s ability to operate as intended. Consequently, the affected vehicle typically enters “limp mode,” limiting its power output until the underlying problem is resolved.
See also: Transmission Downshifts Hard While Slowing Down [5 Possible Causes]
P0700 OBD-II Transmission Control System (MIL Request) Trouble Code
Which Models Are Affected By The P0700 Code
| Make | Affected By P0700 Code |
|---|---|
| Toyota | Yes |
| Nissan | Yes |
| Chevrolet | Yes |
| BMW | Yes |
| Audi | Yes |
| Buick | Yes |
| Mercedes | Yes |
| GMC | Yes |
| Suzuki | Yes |
| Tata | Yes |
| Lexus | Yes |
| Mazda | Yes |
| Mitsubishi | Yes |
| Kia | Yes |
| Jeep | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Honda | Yes |
| Hyundai | Yes |
| Opel | Yes |
| Ford | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Peugeot | Yes |
P0700 OBD-II Transmission Control System (MIL Request) Trouble Code
What Are The Possible Causes of the P0700 Code?
There are several possible causes for the activation of a P0700 code. However, nearly all of these causes stem from a transmission’s inability to communicate as its manufacturer intended.
This issue is electrical in most instances, but it can also be associated with transmission issues. These are the most possible causes of diagnostic trouble code P0700.
- Faulty transmission control module (TCM)
- Faulty transmission valve body
- Open or shorted transmission control circuit wiring
- Defective shift solenoid
- Transmission fluid is dirty or low
- Defective transmission
See also: Transmission Slips When First Starting The Car [6 Possible Causes]
P0700 OBD-II Transmission Control System (MIL Request) Trouble Code
What Are The Common Symptoms of The P0700 Code?
Frequently, the symptoms associated with the trouble code P0700 vary from vehicle to vehicle. When code P0700 is active, specific symptoms are significantly more prevalent than others and occur relatively most often.
Here are the most common symptoms of the P0700 trouble code:
- The check engine light
- Shifting transmission issues
- Fail-safe mode
- Issues with drivability
- Additional transmission codes
- Bad fuel economy
See also: How Often Do You Need To Change Your Transmission Fluid
P0700 OBD-II Transmission Control System (MIL Request) Trouble Code
Is It Safe To Drive With a P0700 Code?
While it may be safe to drive with the P0700 trouble code, it is not recommended to do so for an extended period.
The diagnostic trouble code P0700 is critical and must be treated as such. Any transmission-related defect is capable of causing severe drivability issues, the majority of which may leave you stranded. A transmission can become stuck in a single gear, endangering the driver and passengers of the vehicle.
Moreover, many modern vehicles are now designed to enter a failsafe mode when the P0700 code is stored. This failsafe mode restricts a vehicle’s performance to prevent the majority of safety-related failures. Due to the operational limitations of failsafe mode, most drivers will find it impractical to operate their vehicle in this condition.
In any case, a vehicle with a P0700 diagnostic trouble code should only be driven as far as required to reach a safe location. If the service center or repair shop you choose is not located nearby, you may want to consider having your vehicle towed there.
See also: How Do You Know If You Need Transmission Fluid?
P0700 OBD-II Transmission Control System (MIL Request) Trouble Code
How To Diagnose The P0700 Code
Here is how to diagnose the P0700 trouble code:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to check your freeze frame data for other transmission control module (TCM) codes
- Check the fluid levels to ensure that your transmission fluid is clean and at the correct level.
- Check your transmission module for defective wiring and use a multimeter to test all the connection points between the transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and powertrain control module (PCM).
- Next, use the scan tool and go on a test drive to compare the revolutions per minute speed of your torque converter with the revolutions per minute speed of your input shaft. This tests for a slipping transmission.
- Finally, check your slip speed. If your slip speed is greater than 50 RPM, your converter clutch is slipping.
Most Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0700 Code
Mistakes happen when all procedures are not followed or are not completed. In some cases, a standard repair may be able to fix the P0700 code, but this is not always the case, which is why diagnosis is performed in stages.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair P0700 Code?
After determining the cause of the issue, you can proceed with the repair. Included in the average repair costs listed below are both parts and labor. If you can complete the task yourself, you can anticipate lower costs.
- Transmission control module (TCM) update or replacement: $250-$2500
- Transmission valve body replacement: $300-$1000
- Shift solenoids replacement: $150-$650
- Repairing of open or shorted transmission control circuit wiring: $50-$550
- Transmission fluid replacement: $75-$250
- Transmission replacement: $550-$5000
| Make | P0700 Code | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Nissan | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Chevrolet | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| BMW | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Audi | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Buick | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Mercedes | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| GMC | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Suzuki | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Tata | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Lexus | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Mazda | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Mitsubishi | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Kia | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Jeep | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Fiat | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Honda | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Hyundai | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Opel | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Ford | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Fiat | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
| Peugeot | Yes | $50 – $5000 |
P0700 OBD-II Transmission Control System (MIL Request) Trouble Code
What Repairs Can Fix The P0700 Code?
Repairs that can fix the P0700 trouble code are:
- Replace the transmission control module (TCM)
- Replace the transmission valve body
- Change the shift solenoid
- Repair or replace the faulty wiring
- Replace the transmission
- Change transmission fluid
How To Fix The P0700 Code
After completing the diagnostics, you should know what needs to be repaired. Here are some of the most frequent repairs you may encounter.
- Replace the defective shift solenoid
- Replace the faulty transmission valve body
- Repair or replace shorted transmission control circuit wiring.
- Replace faulty transmission control module (TCM)
- Change the transmission fluid if it is dirty or low.
In Conclusion
The P0700 trouble code is undesirable to see when scanning a computer. It indicates that urgent transmission issues must be resolved immediately.
However, this code will not tell you what’s wrong by itself. It must be interpreted in conjunction with the other error codes to identify the malfunction. The issue may be as simple as contaminated fluid or as complex as the requirement for a new transmission.
Above all else, it is essential to take this trouble code seriously. When the Check Engine Light illuminates and the vehicle enters limp mode, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
Any additional force applied to your vehicle could result in permanent transmission damage. Thankfully, many of these issues can be avoided by maintaining an always-current transmission service.