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P0701: Transmission control system: range/performance

The ECU sees the automatic gearbox not behaving as it should, due to the oil, a sensor, a solenoid or wear inside the gearbox.

Code P0701 at a glance
CodeP0701
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP07xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0701 means

On cars with an automatic gearbox, the transmission control unit monitors its own sensors and solenoids. This code means the system is not performing as expected: for example, shift times or gear ratios do not match what the control unit commanded. It is a broad warning and each manufacturer uses it in its own way.

Most common causes

  • Low or worn-out gearbox oil
  • Other gearbox codes pointing to a sensor or solenoid
  • Oil or moisture in the gearbox connectors
  • Solenoids sticking because of dirt
  • Internal wear of the gearbox clutches or bands
  • 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 P0701?

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

If your car has a gearbox dipstick, check the level and look: dark oil or a burnt smell suggests wear. 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 P0701 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 P0701 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

P0701 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Audi, Fiat, Kia, Mazda, Opel / Vauxhall, Toyota. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0701 mean?

On cars with an automatic gearbox, the transmission control unit monitors its own sensors and solenoids. This code means the system is not performing as expected: for example, shift times or gear ratios do not match what the control unit commanded. It is a broad warning and each manufacturer uses it in its own way.

Can you drive with P0701?

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 P0701?

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, P0701 comes back.