What exactly is code P0700 and why does it happen?

Code P0700 is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that means “Transmission Control System Malfunction.” It triggers when your vehicle’s Transmission Control Module (TCM) detects a problem within the automatic transmission control system. The code appears when the TCM identifies faults in sensors, solenoids, wiring, or communication between control modules. P0700 is an umbrella code – it indicates that transmission problems exist but doesn’t specify exactly which component has failed, requiring additional diagnostic codes to pinpoint the exact issue.

How do I know if my vehicle has a P0700 problem?

Key symptoms include: illuminated check engine light, harsh or delayed shifting, vehicle stuck in one gear (limp mode), complete loss of certain gears, engine stalling during gear changes, and unusual noises from the transmission area. Additional signs: poor fuel economy, burning smell from transmission, visible fluid leaks under the vehicle, and dashboard transmission warning messages. The check engine light is always the first indicator, but you’ll typically notice driving problems that make the vehicle feel unsafe or unreliable.

Is this something I can fix myself, or do I need a professional?

Professional service is strongly recommended for P0700 codes due to safety and complexity concerns. Call professional if: you experience any shifting problems, the vehicle enters limp mode, or multiple warning lights appear. DIY is only suitable for: checking transmission fluid level and basic visual inspection of obvious leaks or damaged wires. Required professional tools: TCM-compatible scan tools, pressure testing equipment, specialized electrical testing tools, and programming software that aren’t available to most DIYers.

Why is my transmission making weird noises with this code?

Common transmission noises with P0700 include: grinding sounds (internal mechanical damage), whining or rattling (hydraulic pressure problems), and clicking during shifts (solenoid issues). Grinding typically means: worn internal components like clutch packs or gear sets requiring major repair. Whining usually indicates: low fluid, contaminated fluid, or pump problems. Immediate action required: stop driving and seek professional diagnosis to prevent catastrophic transmission failure.

How long should this repair take?

Diagnostic time: 2-4 hours for comprehensive testing and code analysis. Simple electrical repairs: 2-6 hours depending on wire accessibility. Component replacement: 4-8 hours for solenoids or sensors. Major transmission work: 1-3 days for internal repairs or rebuilds. Programming time: Additional 1-2 hours for TCM replacement and calibration. Factors affecting time: vehicle accessibility, part availability, and complexity of underlying problems.

What safety precautions should I take with this code active?

Critical safety steps: avoid highway driving, don’t ignore limp mode warnings, keep emergency phone numbers handy, and plan alternative transportation. Immediate precautions: reduce driving to essential trips only, avoid towing or heavy loads, monitor transmission temperature, and pull over safely if shifting becomes erratic. Emergency preparation: know location of nearest qualified service centers and have roadside assistance contact information readily available.

P07XX Codes – Transmission

Complete P07XX transmission diagnostic trouble codes (P0700-P07FF) database. Part of our comprehensive P codes collection for automotive diagnostics.

OBD II P07XX Transmission Codes Table with Search

DTC Number	DTC Naming
P0700	Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0701	Transmission Control System Range/Performance
P0702	Transmission Control System Electrical
P0703	Brake Switch "B" Circuit
P0704	Clutch Switch Input Circuit
P0705	Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit (PRNDL Input)
P0706	Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
P0707	Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit Low
P0708	Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit High
P0709	Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent
P070A	Transmission Fluid Level Sensor Circuit
P070B	Transmission Fluid Level Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P070C	Transmission Fluid Level Sensor Circuit Low
P070D	Transmission Fluid Level Sensor Circuit High
P070E	Transmission Fluid Level Sensor Circuit intermittent/Erratic
P070F	Transmission Fluid Level Too Low
P0710	Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit
P0711	Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
P0712	Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit Low
P0713	Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit High
P0714	Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent
P0715	Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit
P0716	Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
P0717	Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal
P0718	Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent
P0719	Brake Switch "B" Circuit Low
P071A	Transmission Mode Switch "A" Circuit
P071B	Transmission Mode Switch "A" Circuit Low
P071C	Transmission Mode Switch "A" Circuit High
P071D	Transmission Mode Switch "B" Circuit
P071E	Transmission Mode Switch "B" Circuit Low
P071F	Transmission Mode Switch "B" Circuit High
P0720	Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0721	Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0722	Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0723	Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent
P0724	Brake Switch "B" Circuit High
P0725	Engine Speed Input Circuit
P0726	Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance
P0727	Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal
P0728	Engine Speed Input Circuit Intermittent
P0729	Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio
P072A	Stuck in Neutral
P072B	Stuck In Reverse
P072C	Stuck in Gear 1
P072D	Stuck in Gear 2
P072E	Stuck in Gear 3
P072F	Stuck in Gear 4
P0730	Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0731	Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732	Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0733	Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0734	Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0735	Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0736	Reverse Incorrect Ratio
P0737	TCM Engine Speed Output Circuit
P0738	TCM Engine Speed Output Circuit Low
P0739	TCM Engine Speed Output Circuit High
P073A	Stuck in Gear 5
P073B	Stuck in Gear 6
P073C	Stuck in Gear 7
P073D	Unable to Engage Neutral
P073E	Unable to Engage Reverse
P073F	Unable to Engage Gear 1
P0740	Torque Converter Clutch Circuit/Open
P0741	Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
P0742	Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
P0743	Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical
P0744	Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
P0745	Pressure Control Solenoid "A"
P0746	Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Performance/Stuck Off
P0747	Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Stuck On
P0748	Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Electrical
P0749	Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Intermittent
P074A	Unable To Engage Gear 2
P074B	Unable To Engage Gear 3
P074C	Unable To Engage Gear 4
P074D	Unable To Engage Gear 5
P074E	Unable To Engage Gear 6
P074F	Unable To Engage Gear 7
P0750	Shift Solenoid "A"
P0751	Shift Solenoid "A" Performance/Stuck Off
P0752	Shift Solenoid "A" Stuck On
P0753	Shift Solenoid "A" Electrical
P0754	Shift Solenoid "A" Intermittent
P0755	Shift Solenoid "B"
P0756	Shift Solenoid "B" Performance/Stuck Off
P0757	Shift Solenoid "B" Stuck On
P0758	Shift Solenoid "B" Electrical
P0759	Shift Solenoid "B" Intermittent
P075A	Shift Solenoid "G"
P075B	Shift Solenoid "G" Performance/Stuck Off
P075C	Shift Solenoid "G" Stuck On
P075D	Shift Solenoid "G" Electrical
P075E	Shift Solenoid "G" Intermittent
P075F	Transmission Fluid Level Too High
P0760	Shift Solenoid "C"
P0761	Shift Solenoid "C" Performance/Stuck Off
P0762	Shift Solenoid "C" Stuck On
P0763	Shift Solenoid "C" Electrical
P0764	Shift Solenoid "C" Intermittent
P0765	Shift Solenoid "D"
P0766	Shift Solenoid "D" Performance/Stuck Off
P0767	Shift Solenoid "D" Stuck On
P0768	Shift Solenoid "D" Electrical
P0769	Shift Solenoid "D" Intermittent
P076A	Shift Solenoid "H"
P076B	Shift Solenoid "H" Performance/Stuck Off
P076C	Shift Solenoid "H" Stuck On
P076D	Shift Solenoid "H" Electrical
P076E	Shift Solenoid "H" Intermittent
P076F	Gear 7 Incorrect Ratio
P0770	Shift Solenoid "E"
P0771	Shift Solenoid "E" Performance/Stuck Off
P0772	Shift Solenoid "E" Stuck On
P0773	Shift Solenoid "E" Electrical
P0774	Shift Solenoid "E" Intermittent
P0775	Pressure Control Solenoid "B"
P0776	Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Performance/Stuck Off
P0777	Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Stuck On
P0778	Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Electrical
P0779	Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Intermittent
P077A	Output Speed Sensor Circuit - Loss of Direction Signal
P077B	Output Speed Sensor Circuit - Direction Error
P077C	ISO/SAE Reserved
P077D	ISO/SAE Reserved
P077E	ISO/SAE Reserved
P077F	ISO/SAE Reserved
P0780	Shift Error
P0781	1-2 Shift
P0782	2-3 Shift
P0783	3-4 Shift
P0784	4-5 Shift
P0785	Shift Timing Solenoid "A"
P0786	Shift Timing Solenoid "A" Range/Performance
P0787	Shift Timing Solenoid "A" Low
P0788	Shift Timing Solenoid "A" High
P0789	Shift Timing Solenoid "A" Intermittent
P078A	Shift Timing Solenoid "B"
P078B	Shift Timing Solenoid "B" Range/Performance
P078C	Shift Timing Solenoid "B" Low
P078D	Shift Timing Solenoid "B" High
P078E	Shift Timing Solenoid "B" Intermittent
P078F	ISO/SAE Reserved
P0790	Normal/Performance Switch Circuit
P0791	Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor "A" Circuit
P0792	Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
P0793	Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal
P0794	Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent
P0795	Pressure Control Solenoid "C"
P0796	Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Performance/Stuck Off
P0797	Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Stuck On
P0798	Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Electrical
P0799	Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Intermittent
P079A	Transmission Friction Element "A" Slip Detected
P079B	Transmission Friction Element "B" Slip Detected
P079C	Transmission Friction Element "C" Slip Detected
P079D	Transmission Friction Element "D" Slip Detected
P079E	Transmission Friction Element "E" Slip Detected
P079F	Transmission Friction Element "F" Slip Detected
P07A0	Transmission Friction Element "G" Slip Detected
P07A1	Transmission Friction Element "H" Slip Detected
P07A2	Transmission Friction Element "A" Performance/Stuck Off
P07A3	Transmission Friction Element "A" Stuck On
P07A4	Transmission Friction Element "B" Performance/Stuck Off
P07A5	Transmission Friction Element "B" Stuck On
P07A6	Transmission Friction Element "C" Performance/Stuck Off
P07A7	Transmission Friction Element "C" Stuck On
P07A8	Transmission Friction Element "D" Performance/Stuck Off
P07A9	Transmission Friction Element "D" Stuck On
P07AA	Transmission Friction Element "E" Performance/Stuck Off
P07AB	Transmission Friction Element "E" Stuck On
P07AC	Transmission Friction Element "F" Performance/Stuck Off
P07AD	Transmission Friction Element "F" Stuck On
P07AE	Transmission Friction Element "G" Performance/Stuck Off
P07AF	Transmission Friction Element "G" Stuck On
P07B0	Transmission Friction Element "H" Performance/Stuck Off
P07B1	Transmission Friction Element "H" Stuck On
P07B2	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit/Open
P07B3	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Low
P07B4	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit High
P07B5	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Performance/Low
P07B6	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Performance High
P07B7	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
P07B8	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit/Open
P07B9	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Low
P07BA	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit High
P07BB	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Performance/Low
P07BC	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Performance High
P07BD	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
P07BE	Transmission Park Position Sensor/Switch "A"/"B" Correlation
P07BF – P07FF	ISO/SAE Reserved
Code not found