P0700 Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0700 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Transmission Control System (MIL Request)” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker.
Ask the AI about P0700 on your car- System
- Powertrain (P)
- Code type
- Generic (SAE)
- Range
- P07xx
- Urgency
- High
What P0700 means
P0700 isn’t a fault on its own: the transmission control module (TCM) has stored a code of its own and asked the engine computer to switch on the check engine lamp. The real diagnosis is in the TCM’s code, which a basic reader may not show.
Symptoms
- Harsh, late or erratic shifts
- Limp mode — stuck in one gear, often 2nd or 3rd
- A transmission warning lamp on some cars
Most likely causes
- Whatever the TCM’s own code says — solenoids, sensors, wiring or internal wear
- Low, old or wrong transmission fluid
- A weak battery or poor grounds confusing the module
What to check first
- Read the TCM’s codes with a scanner that can access the transmission module
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition (color, burnt smell) where your car allows it
- Fix what the TCM reports, then clear both codes
Can I keep driving with P0700?
Limit driving — get it checked promptly
Gently, and only as far as you need to. If the transmission is in limp mode or slipping, carrying on can turn a sensor or solenoid fault into a rebuild.
How P0700 breaks down
Powertrain. Engine, transmission, fuel and emissions — the codes behind the check engine lamp.
Generic code: defined by SAE, the same on every make.
Transmission.
The specific fault within this range.
Where to look: Transmission
Automatic, dual-clutch and automated manual transmissions: shift and pressure-control solenoids, speed sensors, gear-ratio monitoring, the torque converter clutch, fluid temperature and pressure, range sensors and transfer cases.
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Brimly reads stored, pending and permanent codes through a Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter, explains each one offline from the same 2,693-code dictionary as this page, and clears them once the fault is fixed — each clear goes into the car’s service history with the codes it removed. OBD diagnostics are part of Brimly Forever, a one-time purchase; the PRO assistant explains a code for your exact car.
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Frequently asked
What does P0700 mean?
P0700 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Transmission Control System (MIL Request)” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker. P0700 isn’t a fault on its own: the transmission control module (TCM) has stored a code of its own and asked the engine computer to switch on the check engine lamp. The real diagnosis is in the TCM’s code, which a basic reader may not show.
Can I drive with P0700?
Gently, and only as far as you need to. If the transmission is in limp mode or slipping, carrying on can turn a sensor or solenoid fault into a rebuild.
What causes P0700?
Whatever the TCM’s own code says — solenoids, sensors, wiring or internal wear; Low, old or wrong transmission fluid; A weak battery or poor grounds confusing the module.
How do I clear P0700?
Fix the cause first, then clear it with any OBD2 scanner or app. Once the fault is gone the car also clears it on its own: the check engine lamp goes off after the self-test passes on three drive cycles in a row, and the stored code ages out after about 40 warm-ups. Clearing without a repair only hides it for a while — and resets the readiness monitors an emissions inspection looks at.
Is P0700 the same on every car?
Yes. P0700 is a generic SAE J2012 code, so its definition is identical on every make and model. What differs is the cause behind it and the repair procedure, which depend on the engine — that’s why the assistant on this page asks for your car.
Guides
Definitions: the generic SAE J2012 codes from Brimly’s offline dictionary (data version 2026.09). Causes and advice are general guidance for all makes — the service information for your car has the last word.