P0700
Transmission Control System Malfunction (MIL Request)
P0700 usually does not tell you the failed part by itself. It means the transmission controller saw a problem and asked the main computer to switch on the malfunction indicator lamp. You usually need a scan tool that can read transmission-module codes to find the underlying fault.
- SEV
- 3/5
- DRIVE
- CAUTION
- DIY
- $0-$250
- SHOP
- $120-$1,800+
Quick answer
AI-CITATION READYWhat it means
Can you drive with it?
Most common causes
- Low, dirty, burnt, or incorrect transmission fluid affecting hydraulic control
- Transmission control module stored a related fault for a shift solenoid, pressure-control solenoid, or gear-ratio error
- Input, output, or turbine speed sensor fault causing the controller to lose gear-speed feedback
Typical repair cost
DIY usually runs $0-$250. Typical shop repair lands around $120-$1,800+, depending on the root cause.
01 / Definition
P0700 means the powertrain control module received a request from the transmission control module to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp. The code is a gateway warning, not the full diagnosis. The root problem may be low or degraded transmission fluid, an electrical fault, a failed shift solenoid, speed-sensor problems, valve-body issues, overheating, or an internal transmission failure stored under separate transmission-specific codes.
02 / Drive status
With caution. You may be able to drive short distances if the vehicle still shifts normally, but avoid heavy loads, highway trips, or continued driving if it slips, bangs into gear, overheats, or goes into limp mode.
03 / Symptoms
- Check engine light or transmission warning light
- Harsh shifting, delayed shifting, or slipping
- Vehicle stuck in one gear or limp mode
- Poor acceleration or reduced power
- Transmission overheating warning on some vehicles
- Vehicle may seem normal until the underlying transmission code becomes worse
04 / Causes
| 1 | Low, dirty, burnt, or incorrect transmission fluid affecting hydraulic control | high |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Transmission control module stored a related fault for a shift solenoid, pressure-control solenoid, or gear-ratio error | high |
| 3 | Input, output, or turbine speed sensor fault causing the controller to lose gear-speed feedback | medium |
| 4 | Wiring, connector, ground, or voltage problem affecting the transmission control system | medium |
| 5 | Valve-body wear, sticking valves, or internal hydraulic problems inside the transmission | medium |
| 6 | Internal transmission damage such as clutch, band, or torque-converter failure | low |
05 / Diagnostic sequence
- 01Scan the transmission control module as well as the engine computer and record all stored, pending, and history codes before clearing anything.
- 02Check transmission fluid level and condition using the correct service procedure for the vehicle.
- 03Inspect battery voltage, charging system health, grounds, and transmission harness connectors for low-voltage or communication-related faults.
- 04Review freeze-frame or transmission data for commanded gear, actual gear, line pressure, temperature, and speed-sensor readings.
- 05Follow the specific transmission sub-codes first, especially solenoid, speed-sensor, pressure-control, or gear-ratio faults.
- 06Inspect for signs of overheating, burnt fluid, debris in the pan, or slipping that could point to internal damage.
- 07Clear the codes only after repairs and complete the required drive cycle to confirm the warning does not return.
06 / Repairs
| 1 | Correct low fluid level or service contaminated transmission fluid if the manufacturer service procedure supports it. | $0-$300 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Repair wiring, connector, ground, or voltage faults affecting the transmission controller or solenoids. | $20-$300 |
| 3 | Replace a failed speed sensor, shift solenoid, or pressure-control solenoid when testing confirms the fault. | $80-$600 |
| 4 | Repair or replace a worn valve body or related hydraulic control component if pressure testing points there. | $250-$1,200 |
| 5 | Rebuild or replace the transmission if internal damage, severe slipping, or hard-part failure is confirmed. | $1,500-$5,000+ |
MFG / Manufacturer notes
These supplements add make-specific diagnostic framing. Pages without full matrix backing or lane approval stay guarded and canonicalize back here until they are explicitly approved for indexing.
- Open
Audi P0700
Expansion-candidate noindex child page
07 / Related codes
08 / FAQ
What does P0700 mean?
It means the transmission control module has detected a fault and asked the engine computer to turn on the check engine light.
Does P0700 mean I need a transmission?
No. Some cases come from fluid condition, wiring, sensors, or solenoids, but the underlying transmission codes need to be read first.
Can low transmission fluid cause P0700?
Yes. Low or degraded fluid can trigger shift, pressure, or temperature problems that lead to P0700.
Can I drive with P0700?
Sometimes for short trips with caution, but stop if the transmission slips badly, overheats, bangs into gear, or stays in limp mode.
Why is P0700 not enough by itself?
Because P0700 is only the MIL request. The real diagnosis is usually stored as one or more transmission-module codes.
09 / Source and method
- DATA BASIS
- OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
- METHOD
- STATIC VALIDATION
- SAFETY
- INFORMATIONAL
This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.
Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.
Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.