P0700: Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
P0700 itself is a messenger; drivability depends on the transmission code behind it. Erratic shifting means minimize driving.
Symptoms
- Check engine light with transmission symptoms
- Harsh, delayed, or missed shifts
- Transmission stuck in one gear (limp)
Likely causes, most common first
- Any fault stored in the transmission control module
- Low or degraded transmission fluid
- Shift solenoid or sensor faults inside the transmission
Read P0700 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0700 carries no diagnosis of its own - it is the transmission computer raising its hand to say it has stored codes of its own. The engine module turns on the light; the actual story lives in the transmission module.
Any scan that stops at P0700 is incomplete: insist on transmission-module codes. Meanwhile the humble fluid check remains the highest-value first step for any shifting complaint - level, color, smell.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0700
“rear axle locks up and transmission goes into limp mode , this happens when slow speed under acceleration, this happens almost any time in traffic , at stop light , acceleration to freeway. a safety issue, shows a p0700 code and p2729 code , engine service code light goes on , T/C and skid lights. also happen at hard brakes in traffic lights or fast slow downs”2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Sep 2026
“In 2024, at 49000 miles, my transmission gave out and wouldnt allow me to accelerate. GM replaced the transmission. This past week, while driving on a busy hwy, it happened again. I narrowly avoided an accident and had to get my car towed a hour home. These are the codes P0700, P2732, P0746”2022 Chevrolet Traverse · Sep 2026
“Vehicle is hard shifting and has the following error codes. Engine P0700 Transmission Control Moduel Requested, test not passed Transmission P0747 Transmission control solenoid Valve 1 stuck on- Test failed. Warning indicator requested. Very concerned to be driving this vehicle.”2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Aug 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Was driving on highway when all of the lights on my dash illuminated. Eventually I got a warning for oil at temp alarm. Was giving code P2757 and P0700. Looks like this a common issue in Subarus but doesn't look like it covers anything after 2020.”2021 Subaru Crosstrek · Jul 2026
“An internal transmission Output Shaft Speed Sensor (OSS) failure causes the vehicle to enter "limp mode" and shift violently, creating a risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control, according to the report. A GM dealer confirmed diagnostic codes P0722 and P0700, isolating the issue to an internal component after an inspection of the external wiring harness.”2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Jul 2026
“Had issues transitioning to reverse, drove vehicle to the dealership. While driving on a busy road vehicle went into limp mode and had to pull over. Vehicle needed to be towed to the dealership. Dealership was able to verify vehicle was unable to reverse. They also found P0700 and P0776 error codes. They also used service bulletin 22-NA-258. We had not noticed excessively harsh shifting prior to this event. Had to replace components in the valve body”2022 Chevrolet Tahoe · Mar 2026
“Will pulling camper, truck lurched with hard shift at around 35mph and caused a sudden slow down in traffic. Truck then went into limp mode with engine light illuminated. Pulled over to turn vehicle off and restart. Attempted to gain speed again and similar lurch with hard shift at around 35-40mph. Vehicle again in reduced power mode. Was able to ease truck to dealer where code reader showed P0700 and P0747. This was similar to issue found in recall for model years 2020-2022 with GM 10L1000 transmissions. There has been a technical service bulletin issue by GM regarding models years 21-25 but no recall. Dealer has ordered parts for TSB but repair not performed yet.”2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 · Feb 2026
“2017 Buick envision failed an annual smog check with OBD trouble codes: P0700; P2535; and U0100. P0700 is related to a transmission issue.”2017 Buick Envision · Jan 2026
“While entering the freeway at approximately 45 MPH not towing the rear wheels locked for a second, truck went into the Limp mood, and dash said reduce speed, service transmission. Dealer pulled codes, P0700 and P0747...the order says cause document #6998510."replace spacer plate, check balls and valve." Correction: DTC P0747 set Dealer told me the put the new updated valve in but I don't see that on the repair order? I asked about the GM extended warranty ( I think it's 10 years, 150,000 miles). they said it didn't apply to my vehicle?”2023 GMC Sierra 1500 · Jan 2026
“Our vehicle experienced total transmission failure with no warning while I was driving on a narrow country road. The car shifted into neutral, and I was unable to go anywhere, so I sat in the middle of the road with hazard lights on in a state of panic. We had the car towed to a nearby Honda dealership and were informed of the transmission failure, which was identified through a diagnostic test. Codes that failed were listed as: P0730; P0700; P07A6; P07A8; P07A4. I have owned the car for one year and three months (purchased October 2024 for $34,000). I am being told it is just past the power train warranty, and Honda is not offering any assistance in covering the repair cost - $10,000.”2022 Honda Passport · Jan 2026
Cars that report P0700 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
P0700 by make
Makes with enough NHTSA reports of P0700 for a page of their own - which models and years report it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0700?
P0700 itself is a messenger; drivability depends on the transmission code behind it. Erratic shifting means minimize driving.
How much does it cost to fix P0700?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (tcm code readout (the real diagnosis)) to $900 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0700. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.