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How to Fix P0700 Code: “Transmission Control System Malfunction”

How to Fix P0700 Code

If you're searching for how to fix the P0700 code, confirm that the error code exists using an OBDII scanner. Once confirming the issue, you can inspect the transmission control module and look for any damages signs. If you found that this module has some damages, you can replace it to resolve the issue. 

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Your vehicle's internal computer relies on warning errors to help communicate with you to let you know about internal problems. Some of these warning lights might be because of a very simple problem that can be solved quickly, while others might be linked to significant damages affecting either the engine or the transmission.

Since the transmission is a major component and it's very important for you as a driver to continuously having a perfectly running transmission, understanding error codes associated with the transition is a must.

The P0700 code is a generic code that you might experience when driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission.

This article provides you with all the details we need to know when dealing with the P0700 code. It highlights the code's definition, the primary causes, symptoms, expected repair options, and a rough estimate of repair costs. 


What is the P0700 code definition?

When your vehicle's check engine light illuminates due to a P0700 code, the problem is related to the transition control system. The definition of this code says, “Transmission Control System Malfunction.”

This error code is considered generic, which means that you will find it in any vehicle associated with an automatic transmission. Keep in mind that repair options might differ from vehicle to vehicle, but the general procedure should be very similar. 

To better understand the exact meaning, it is important for you as a driver to understand what the transmission control system is and what exactly triggers this error code, which we will cover in the following section. 

What does the P0700 code really mean? 

In vehicles associated with an automatic transmission, there is a module called the transition control module. This module is responsible for monitoring the behavior of that transmission control system. Whenever this module detects an issue with the transition control system, it will immediately send a signal to the vehicle's internal computer.

Once the computer receives this signal, it will communicate with you through a check engine light illuminating. Once you read the error code associated with the check engine light, you will immediately see a P0700 code along with a short definition. 

Since the transmission is one of the very important components in your vehicle and repairing it requires very high costs, it is very important for you as a driver to familiarize yourself with what exactly needs to be done to resolve the P0700 code immediately to prevent introducing major complications. 

What are the primary causes for the P0700 code?

When the check engine light illuminates due to a P0700 code, the problem is linked to one of the following common causes:

  • Faulty shift solenoids
  • The defective transmission control module
  • Bad transmission
  • Defective valve body

Once determining and confirming any of the mentioned issues, the faulty part must be replaced immediately to resolve the issue and get rid of the error code completely. 

How do I know if it’s the P0700 code? Symptoms of the P0700 code

When your vehicle has an issue related to a P0700 code, you'll notice one of the following symptoms:

  • A check engine light illuminating
  • Your vehicle set to fail-safe mode 
  • Your car will have a reduced fuel economy
  • You might experience some drivability issue
  • You might notice any other transition-related errors 

Once noticing any of the mentioned symptoms, you should immediately take your vehicle to a professional mechanic or perform the DIY mentioned in this article to resolve the issue so you don't deal with undesirable outcomes. 

How to fix the P0700 code?

In this section, we will provide you with a summary of all potential DIY's you can try to fix a P0700 code. The intent here is to eliminate labor costs as much as possible. However, if none of the DIYs mentioned below worked to eliminate the P0700 code, you must take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop and have a professional mechanic perform certain manufacturer tests to detect the route issue causing the problem. 

Here's a summary of all DIY's you can try to fix a P0700 code

  • Use an OBDII tool to confirm there 

The first step to solve any error code displayed in the form of a check engine light is to 1st confirm that there exists. To do so, you can use an OBDII tool and connected it to the vehicle's computer.

The tool will immediately display any active errors, and it will also show you previous errors that you've resolved before.

Once you see a P0700 code on the screen, you can go ahead and test the following DIY to see if you can fix this error or not. 

  • Inspect the transmission control module 

The only known DIY to eliminate our P0700 code is to inspect and fix the transmission control module. You'll find this module usually in the back of the transmission. However, if you had a hard time locating it, you can always refer to your vehicle's owner’s manual, which provides you with detailed guidance on where to find it.

Perform a quick visual inspection to see any signs of damages to the transmission control module and its electrical connections. Once detecting a damaged sign, you can go ahead and replace the transmission control module.

Before replacing had, make sure that you compare the new part to the old one or refer to your vehicle's owner’s manual to get an exact number to avoid purchasing the wrong part. 

  • Clear the error 

After replacing the transmission control module, you need to reconnect the OBDII scanner again to the vehicle's computer and remove any inactive errors. Once you do so, the P0700 error code will go away. It is also recommended that you perform a second scan to check whether you resolved the issue completely or not.

If the DIY method we mentioned earlier did not resolve your issue, you need to take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop so you can have a mechanic inspected to determine the real culprit causing the problem. 

Can I drive my car with a P0700 code?

P0700 code is one of the very serious codes that you never want to drive your vehicle when dealing with it. Even if your car drives just fine, you can introduce major damages to the transition.

As automotive experts suggest, if you notice that it's hard to switch gears or one of the gears is stuck into one position, you must stop driving your vehicle as soon as possible.

Error P0700 code might be linked to major unclear damages to the transmission. Thus, not only will it cause safety hazards to yourself but also the people around you on the road. 

How much does it cost to resolve the P0700 code?

Depending on the root of the problem triggering a P0700 code, repair costs can differ significantly.

For instance, if a faulty transmission control module causes the problem, repair costs can range from $840 to $900. On the other hand, if the transmission itself is the faulty component, repair costs can be extremely higher and reaching up to $5000 in some vehicles if not more. Finally, if you are lucky enough and your problem is only related to the valve body, repair costs might range from $320 to $900.

As you notice, most repair costs to solve a P0700 code are very expensive, which makes many drivers question whether it's worth repairing this vehicle or not.

Take a look at the following section to help you evaluate whether it's worth fixing a P0700 code. 

Is it worth fixing the P0700 code? 

Since the P0700 code is related to a major issue, you must get it fixed to keep driving your car. However, determining whether it's worth fixing this code or not depends heavily on your circumstances.

For example, if you notice that repair costs are piling up and getting close to 75% or more from the value of your vehicle, it is never worth fixing it. Instead, you should find a potential buyer and use the down payment towards a better car without any problems.

The other thing to think about is comparing the repair costs value to your vehicle's overall value after repairs. If you found that your vehicle's value will not go as high once you fix these problems, it's also not worth it. For example, if your car currently is worth $7000 and you are looking for repair costs of about $5000, If after fixing the P0700 code, your vehicle's value did not go up to $12,000, do not attempt to fix it because you are losing money.

The other thing to consider is the age of your vehicle. Many people tend to replace or change their vehicles once every ten years on average. So if you're planning to switch to a better car or probably a larger one, that's something to keep in mind when he's already whether it's worth fixing a P0700 code. 

Now what might ask who would buy a car with major transition problems? Cash Cars Buyer is one of the fewest companies that guarantees to buy your car that has measured transmission problems and if it was completely damaged in a car accident.

Cash Cars Buyer will be the top dollar for his vehicle by evaluating and comparing its characteristics to most recent transactions around the area. 

You can always request more details about our process by giving us a call at 866-924-4607. 

How to sell my car with the P0700 code to Cash Cars Buyer? 

The good news is that our process is very straightforward and won't take as much time or effort from your busy schedule. All it takes to is simple three steps:

  • Provide basic information about your vehicles type and condition
  • Received our instant free quote that's usually generated within 30 seconds only
  • Get your car removed within one to three days and receive your cash payment immediately on the spot! 

The other thing to keep in mind is that Cash Cars Buyer accepts your car even if it doesn't have a title as long as you can provide us with basic information and paperwork to prove ownership. The one thing to keep in mind when selling a car without limit is that we have I advise you to reach out to the local DMV office and obtain a title replacement if you're looking for a higher offer. 

Conclusion

To prevent dealing with major expensive repair costs, it is essential for you as a driver to keep an eye on any error codes displayed on your vehicle's dashboard.

One of the very generic common error codes is P0700, which indicates an issue with the transmission control system.

Resolving the P0700 code is a must because it affects your vehicle's drivability and might put your life in danger. It also can affect the safety of people around you.

This article provided you with all possible DIYs you can do at home to get rid of the P0700 code. If none of the mentioned DIY's work for you, your only want the next step is to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic to resolve the issue immediately.

If fixing the P0700 code requires high repair costs, it might be the right time to sell your car to Cash Cars Buyer and use the payment towards a better car. 

Cash Cars Buyer is one of the top-rated car removal companies in the nation that guarantees to pay you the top dollars and will provide you with free towing despite your living location around the United States. 

The best thing about Cash Cars Buyer is that our process is very straightforward and doesn't take more than a couple of days to get your vehicle removed safely and for the most money. 

To learn more about our process and our team, you can reach out to us by giving us a call at 866-924-4608 or visit our home page click on the free instant online offer.

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