Engine codes
P0700: transmission control system, MIL request
P0700 does not describe a fault by itself. It is a message from the transmission control module to the engine computer: something is wrong in the transmission, please turn on the light.
P0700: can I drive, and what will the labor cost?
Estimated labor, read the transmission module codes and test
$110 to $165
| Labor time (estimate) | 1 to 1.5 h |
| Rate used | $110/h |
| Technician wage, United States (average) | $27.13/h |
| High: limit driving, fix within days Limit driving; many transmissions go into a fail-safe gear, and the real code is stored in the transmission module. | |
Labor only: parts and the diagnostic fee are not included. Hours are our estimate for a typical car; book times vary by model. Wage: BLS, May 2025.
P0700 is the generic OBD-II code for "transmission control system, MIL request". On cars where the transmission has its own computer, that module stores detailed codes for its sensors, solenoids and hydraulic behavior. Because the federal rules require one malfunction indicator for every emission-related fault (40 CFR 86.1806-17), the transmission module asks the engine computer to turn on the check engine light, and the engine computer stores P0700 as a pointer. The real fault is in the transmission module's memory. Some basic code readers show only P0700; a better scanner reads codes such as P0715 for the input speed sensor or P0750 for a shift solenoid. The usual causes are a solenoid, a speed sensor or the range sensor, low or degraded transmission fluid, wiring at the transmission, and, less often, the module itself. Many transmissions go into a fail-safe gear, with harsh or no shifts. We rate it high: limit driving, fix within days: limit driving.
Is this repair still under the emission warranty?
Catalytic converter
Likely covered: ask a dealer
| Federal emission warranty, 8 years or 80,000 miles | within |
Age counts from delivery to the first buyer; whichever limit comes first ends the warranty. Your warranty booklet lists the covered parts and prevails.
Codes, rules and labor data checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
P0700 at a glance
| Code | P0700 |
| Standard description | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| System | Transmission |
| Severity | High: limit driving, fix within days |
| Common symptoms | stuck in one gear, harsh or late shifts, transmission warning light |
Fail-safe mode
When a transmission module sees a fault that could damage the gearbox, it often locks the transmission in one gear, commonly second or third, and raises line pressure. The car still moves, but it accelerates slowly from a stop and revs high on the highway. It is designed to get you off the road, not to be driven for days. Extended driving in that state can overheat the fluid.
Checks before any repair
- Have the transmission module codes read: they name the actual fault. Many parts stores read only engine codes, so a shop scan is worth it.
- Check the fluid level and condition where the transmission has a dipstick or check plug, as the maker describes. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid or metal in it is a sign of internal wear.
- Look at the connectors on the transmission case, which can take on water or oil.
Costs
The labor table on this page covers the common first steps: reading and testing, a fluid service, and a solenoid replacement. An internal failure or a rebuild is a far larger job that depends entirely on the transmission, and is not estimated here. Transmission parts are not usually emission parts, so the emission warranty rarely helps, but the maker's powertrain warranty might; the warranty check on this page shows only the emission coverage. A misfire such as P0300 can make shifts feel rough too, so read every stored code before deciding.
Likely causes of P0700, in order
| Cause | How often |
|---|---|
| A transmission fault stored in the TCM: solenoid, speed sensor, range sensor | most frequent |
| Low or degraded transmission fluid | frequent |
| Wiring or connector at the transmission | frequent |
| TCM software or internal fault | less frequent |
P0700 repairs and labor time
| Repair | Labor (estimate) | At $110/h |
|---|---|---|
| Read the transmission module codes and test | 1 to 1.5 h | $110 to $165 |
| Transmission fluid and filter service | 0.5 to 1.5 h | $55 to $165 |
| Replace a shift solenoid or solenoid pack | 1.5 to 4 h | $165 to $440 |