If you're staring at your dashboard and see the chrysler fault code p0700 popping up on your scanner, you probably feel that immediate pit in your stomach. We've all been there—you're just trying to get to work or run some errands, and suddenly the "Check Engine" light decides to ruin your morning. While seeing any code is annoying, the P0700 is a bit of a special case, especially for Chrysler owners. It's one of those codes that tells you something is wrong, but it's also frustratingly vague about what that "something" actually is.
In the world of car diagnostics, the chrysler fault code p0700 is essentially a "middleman" code. It's technically defined as a Transmission Control System Malfunction. But here's the kicker: it doesn't actually tell you which part of the transmission is acting up. Instead, it's the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) telling you that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has detected a specific problem and wants you to take a closer look. Think of it like a "see attached" note on an email; you have to open the attachment to find out what the actual message is.
Why your Chrysler is throwing this code
The main reason you're seeing the chrysler fault code p0700 is that your car's computer has noticed the transmission isn't behaving the way it should. Chrysler vehicles, from the older Town & Country minivans to the 300 sedans and even the Sebrings, have a history of being a bit sensitive when it comes to transmission electronics.
When the TCM sees a slip, a sensor reading that doesn't make sense, or a solenoid that isn't firing correctly, it sends a signal to the main computer. The main computer then triggers the P0700 to let you know that the transmission needs help. Because this code is so broad, it could be triggered by anything from a simple loose wire to a total internal mechanical failure. However, more often than not with Chryslers, it tends to be electronic in nature.
The symptoms you might be feeling
Usually, the chrysler fault code p0700 doesn't travel alone. It almost always brings some friends along in the form of weird driving behaviors. One of the most common things Chrysler owners report is "Limp Mode." This is a fail-safe programmed into the car to prevent you from blowing up the transmission. If your car suddenly feels like it's stuck in second or third gear and won't shift up no matter how much gas you give it, you're in Limp Mode. It's terrifying the first time it happens, but it's actually the car trying to save itself.
Other symptoms include rough shifting, where the car jerks when moving from park to drive or between gears. You might also notice the engine revving higher than usual before the gear finally catches, which we usually call "slipping." Sometimes, the car might just feel sluggish, like it's lost its "pep." If any of these are happening alongside that P0700 code, you definitely want to get it looked at sooner rather than later.
Finding the "real" code behind P0700
If you use a cheap, basic OBD-II scanner from the local parts store, it might only show you the chrysler fault code p0700. This is the frustrating part I mentioned earlier. To actually fix the car, you need a scanner that can "talk" to the TCM specifically. Basic scanners often only look at the engine codes, but the P0700 is an invitation to look deeper into the transmission sub-codes.
These sub-codes are usually things like P0706 (Range Sensor), P0750 (Shift Solenoid), or P0841 (Pressure Sensor). Once you get these specific numbers, the path to a repair becomes a lot clearer. If you don't have a high-end scanner that can read manufacturer-specific transmission codes, you might need to visit a shop just to get the "hidden" code read. It's a bit of an extra step, but it beats throwing random parts at the car and hoping for the best.
Common culprits for Chrysler vehicles
While every car is different, there are a few "usual suspects" when a chrysler fault code p0700 appears. One of the biggest ones is the Transmission Solenoid Pack. Chrysler used these in a lot of their four-speed and six-speed transmissions. Over time, the internal gaskets leak or the solenoids simply burn out. Replacing the solenoid pack is a very common fix for this code and, luckily, it can often be done without pulling the whole transmission out of the car.
Another common issue is the input or output speed sensors. These are little plastic sensors that plug into the side of the transmission case. They tell the computer how fast the internal parts are spinning. If one goes bad, the computer gets confused, doesn't know when to shift, and throws the P0700. These are usually pretty cheap and easy to swap out even if you aren't a master mechanic.
We also can't forget about the battery and wiring. Chryslers are notoriously picky about voltage. If your battery is getting old or if there's a corroded ground wire somewhere, the TCM might "glitch" and throw a fault code even if the transmission is physically fine. It's always worth checking your battery terminals and making sure your charging system is healthy before you start panicking about a $3,000 transmission rebuild.
Can you keep driving with this code?
The short answer is: you really shouldn't. If the chrysler fault code p0700 is on and the car is in Limp Mode, you're putting a lot of stress on the engine and the transmission fluid. Driving at high speeds while stuck in a low gear will cause things to overheat quickly.
If the car still feels like it's shifting normally, you might be tempted to just clear the code and keep going. While you might make it a few days, the problem will almost certainly come back, and often at the worst possible time—like when you're merging onto a highway. Since the P0700 is a general warning, ignoring it is like ignoring a smoke detector because you don't see flames yet. It's much better to address a sensor issue now than to replace the whole gearbox in two months.
How to approach the repair
If you're a DIY type of person, start with the basics. Check your transmission fluid level and color. If the fluid is bright red and smells like well, fluid, you're probably looking at an electronic issue. If it's black and smells like burnt toast, you might have internal mechanical damage.
After checking the fluid, try to get those specific sub-codes we talked about. If you see a code for a speed sensor, that's a great place to start. If you see a code for "Gear Ratio Error," that's usually a sign of internal slipping, which might require a professional's touch.
For many Chrysler owners, the fix ends up being a new solenoid pack or a fresh TCM. Sometimes, it's as simple as a software update. Dealerships occasionally release "re-flashes" for the TCM that fix bugs in how the car shifts. It's always worth checking if there are any technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your specific model year.
Wrapping it up
Dealing with the chrysler fault code p0700 is definitely a headache, but it isn't always a death sentence for your vehicle. Most of the time, it's just the car's way of asking for a little electronic maintenance. By getting a proper diagnosis and not just relying on the generic code, you can save yourself a lot of money and a lot of time spent on the side of the road.
Keep a cool head, find out what the TCM is actually complaining about, and remember that sometimes a simple sensor or a clean connection is all it takes to get your Chrysler back in gear. These cars can be a bit finicky, but once you understand how they communicate, they're much easier to live with. Don't let a little light on the dash ruin your week—just take it one step at a time.