P0700 Code: Meaning, Causes, and Symptoms | OBD2 Codes

P0700 – Transmission Control System Malfunction

 

P0700: DIY Repairing Video Tutorial

https://youtu.be/2SWS5-R-3kg

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P0700: What does it mean?

The code P0700 means Transmission Control System Malfunction. 

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is part of the Powertrain Control Module(PCM) and is in charge of the transmission system. The TCM will store and indicate the code P0700 when malfunctions were detected. It’s a general code and you can check other accompanied codes for more details.

Severity: HIGH

Difficulty of diagnosis or repair: 5 out of 5

P0700: Possible Symptoms

P0700 could indicate severe problems in the transmission system. 

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
  • Driveability problems
  • Transmission shifting problems

P0700: Possible Causes

There are many possible causes for the code P0700, including:

  • Transmission fluid is dirty or at a low level
  • Open/Short in the wiring harness
  • Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
  • Defective shift solenoids
  • Defective valve body
  • Malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor
  • Faulty transmission control module or a faulty transmission

Possible Checks/Fixes you can do yourself:

When you see a DTC Code P0700, there’re several checks you can do:

  1. The P0700 is a general code, and it’s always companied by other codes that indicate the real reason behind it. If you see other codes, read about them and try to find if the P0700 code is the result of other problems. Also, if you can feel a strong drivability problem, such as sticking shifts, please take the car to a manufacturer to get some detailed checking.
  2. Check the Transmission Fluid to see its conditions and level. You may find a low fluid level or a bad condition(such as dirty transmission fluid) and this is a big reason that may cause many transmission problems, such as transmission slipping and worn out transmission parts.
  3. If the transmission fluid is in good condition and level, or you have replaced the fluid, and the code is still present, check the wires between ECU and TCM. A disconnection between them also may set the TCM malfunction and indicate a P0700 code.
  4. What’s more, check the hoses of Transmission Fluid and make sure that it’s not broken or leaked. 
  5. If all the parts mentioned above are in good condition and the Code is still on after several drive cycles, or you can feel a strong drivability problem such as sticking shifts, please take the vehicle to your technician and let them do the checks. They will do advanced tests and fixes that you cannot complete without professional tools and make sure the vehicle is safe for you to drive around.

How much is the cost to clear P0700?

For car code P0700, several repairs may apply, and the cost estimations are below:

  • Fix/Replace the valve body: $320 – $900
  • Fix/Replace the transmission control module(TCM): $840 – $900
  • Fix/Replace the transmissions: $1800 – $4500

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I drive with the code P0700?

A: Don’t drive if you have severe drivability problems, such as a sticking shift, as it will be very dangerous.