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P0700: Transmission control system: fault detected

The automatic gearbox control unit has found a fault and asked for the warning light; the details are in the gearbox’s own codes.

Code P0700 at a glance
CodeP0700
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP07xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0700 means

On cars with an automatic gearbox, the transmission control unit monitors its own sensors and solenoids. When it finds a problem it stores its own code and asks the engine ECU to switch on the warning light. This code is that request: it does not say what has failed, only that the gearbox has a fault stored.

Most common causes

  • Low or badly degraded gearbox oil
  • Loose or corroded connector at the transmission control unit or gearbox
  • Faulty gearbox sensor or solenoid (its own code will say which)
  • Damaged gearbox wiring
  • Low battery causing voltage dropouts
  • Transmission control unit fault

Symptoms

  • Engine or gearbox warning light on
  • Harsh, late or missed gear changes
  • Gearbox stuck in one gear (limp mode)
  • Car feels sluggish when accelerating

Can you drive with P0700?

With care You can drive with care, but the gearbox may lock into one gear and an ignored fault can cause further damage. Have it checked soon.

How to check it

This code is only a flag. The specific fault is stored in the transmission control unit: have it read, or use a scanner that can reach it, before replacing any parts.

How to read and clear P0700 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0700 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. With Free you read it for nothing with its short description, because Free reads every control unit; with Pro you also get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged and clearing.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0700 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Audi, Fiat, Mazda, Peugeot, Toyota, Volkswagen. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0700 mean?

On cars with an automatic gearbox, the transmission control unit monitors its own sensors and solenoids. When it finds a problem it stores its own code and asks the engine ECU to switch on the warning light. This code is that request: it does not say what has failed, only that the gearbox has a fault stored.

Can you drive with P0700?

You can drive with care, but the gearbox may lock into one gear and an ignored fault can cause further damage. Have it checked soon.

How do you clear P0700?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0700 comes back.