Trouble code · Powertrain · Generic (all makes)

P0700 Transmission Control System Malfunction

The transmission's own computer has stored a fault and asked the engine computer to turn on the check engine light. P0700 itself is only a pointer – the real code is in the transmission module.

Safe to drive?
Drive with caution
Get it fixed soon
Scanner you need
Multi-system scanner
A basic reader isn’t enough
NHTSA complaints quoting it
161
Vehicle complaints, 2015–2025

Common causes

  • Any transmission fault: shift solenoids, speed sensors, fluid problems, wiring, or the transmission computer itself

Symptoms

  • Harsh or erratic shifting
  • Stuck in one gear (limp mode)
  • Warning lights

Can I drive with it?

Drive gently and get it checked soon. If the transmission is stuck in one gear, avoid highways.

Tip: Check the transmission fluid level and condition (if your car has a dipstick) while you're at it.

Which scanner reads it?

A basic code reader shows P0700 but not the detailed transmission code behind it. You need a scanner that reads the transmission module on your make.

See ABS, Airbag and Transmission Codes for which tools read each system. Not sure which fits you? Try the Find My Scanner quiz.

In the data

Of the vehicle complaints owners filed with NHTSA from 2015 to 2025, 161 quote P0700 – most often from Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler owners. Complaints lean toward serious problems, so treat this as a sign of how often the code turns up in real reports, not how often cars get it.

Both sources are compared on the Trends page.

General information to help you understand a code – not a diagnosis. Your car’s service information or a qualified mechanic has the final word. See how we research.