P0700 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

What Does Code P0700 Mean?

• P0700 definition: Transmission Control System Malfunction
• Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately.
• Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same day if possible) to avoid internal transmission damage.
• Diagnosis: It is important to complete the entire diagnostic process when diagnosing the P0700 code. This DTC can be triggered by a faulty transmission control module (TCM) or defective parts inside the transmission like the valve body and shift solenoids.
• Common Reason: Code P0700 is often related to a bad transmission.

Many cars have a control module for the automatic transmission called the transmission control module (TCM). The TCM monitors the sensors and actuators relating to transmission control and communicates with the Engine Control Module (ECM) to inform it of any possible issues with the automatic transmission control module. The trouble code P0700 is set whenever the TCM detects a malfunction with the transmission controls.

P0700 Causes

• Defective shift solenoids
• Defective Valve Body
• Faulty Transmission
• Shorted or open circuit Transmission Control Module (TCM)
• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)

P0700 Symptoms

• Check Engine Light
• Transmission shifting problems
• Fail safe mode
• Other transmission codes
• Drivability issues
• Bad fuel economy

How Do I Fix Code P0700?

With a P0700 code, the first step is to get it properly diagnosed to figure out what is causing the malfunction the automatic transmission. Using the live data function of the FIXD sensor and app allows you to read and analyze data from the transmission control module to properly diagnose a P070 code, but transmission repairs should be left to seasoned DIYers. If  you’re not comfortable further diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal-certified shop to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs. These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing. > Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0700?

If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0430 code.

Possible Repair Costs for P0700

When it comes to making repairs associated with the P0700 code, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.

• Topping off transmission fluid – $50-$200
• Wiring Harness – $0-$500 (depends on if you repair or replace)
• Replacing the TCM – $750-808

DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0700

If you’d like to try to fix code P0700 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Complete diagnosis may require some specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide, but the biggest challenge for this repair is that internal transmission issues could be the root cause of this code. As such, this diagnosis and repair should not be attempted by beginner DIYers. DIY difficulty level: Expert This repair should not be attempted by beginner DIYers. Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):

• FIXD
• Digital multimeter

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.

Scan your vehicle to verify P0700 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.

STEP 2: CHECK CONDITION OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Check automatic transmission fluid to make sure that it is not dirty (should be red, not black) and at a sufficient level. Replace if necessary.

STEP 3: CHECK FREEZE FRAME DATA.

Check freeze frame data. Pay close attention to the engine load (torque), throttle position, RPM, and road speed by using your FIXD sensor and app’s freeze frame data

STEP 4: COMPARE RPM INPUT AND OUTPUT.

Using a Scan Tool, compare the RPM input speed and compare the RPM output speed on a flat, smooth surface. When comparing the torque converter RPM to the Input Shaft RPM, keep an eye out for a Converter Slip Speed PID or Parameter Identification. To test this, gradually depress the throttle, starting above 45mph. If it is functioning properly, the Slip Speed should never be above 50 RPM. If the Slip Speed increases when gradually depressing the throttle while above 45 mph, then you know you have a slipping Converter Clutch. If you are doing this test and the Slip Speed stays steady but the transmission Output Shaft Speed and MPH start to decrease, then you know that you have an internally slipping transmission (usually because of worn Clutch Packs or Sprag Clutches.)

STEP 5: CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.

If at this point the vehicle is still setting the same code, you may have a more serious problem with your car’s automatic transmission, and you should bring the vehicle to a certified shop to have further diagnostic work performed.

Common P0700 Diagnosis Mistakes

Diagnosing concern as an engine misfire or internal transmission problem before testing and looking at freeze frame data.

Still Need Help Fixing Code P0700?

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the automatic transmission and code P0700, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.

• • Get Your Code Fixed Fast

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