P0700 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Transmission Control System Malfunction
12 Honda models · 17 documented issues · 16 critical · $100-$7,000 repair
P0700 on Honda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Complete transmission failure due to faulty bearings and defective 3rd clutch components in 4-speed (1999-2001) and 5-speed (2002-2004) automatic transmissions. The 2002-2004 transmission can suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear causing dangerous drivability issues. Honda recalled 1.1 million vehicles in 2004 and settled class-action lawsuit in 2006.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden harsh downshifts from 5th to 2nd gear
- Grinding or whining noises from transmission
- Slipping between gears
- Transmission overheating
- Complete failure to shift
- Metal fragments in transmission fluid
How to Fix
Complete transmission replacement or rebuild required. Honda extended transmission warranty to 93 months/109,000 miles for 1999-2001 models. For 2002-2004 models with under 15,000 miles, dealers modified oil cooler return line; over 15,000 miles showing overheating damage received complete transmission replacement.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningThis is the most serious issue affecting 2nd generation Odysseys - avoid 1999-2004 models unless transmission has been completely replaced
- TipCheck transmission fluid regularly for metal particles and discoloration indicating overheating
- TipRequest CarFax and maintenance records showing transmission replacement before purchasing used 1999-2004 Odyssey
- TipTransmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles on these models (not Honda's recommended 90,000) to prolong life
Sources for this issue (2)
The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission experienced severe drivability issues from programming defects. Software-controlled dog clutches proved incompatible with Honda's calibration, causing violent shaking/juddering, hesitation when accelerating from stops, and harsh downshifts at low speeds. Multiple class-action lawsuits filed against Honda.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden violent shaking/shuddering during acceleration
- Harsh downshifts between 2nd and 3rd gear
- Hesitation when accelerating from stops
- Jerking when merging into traffic or uphill
- Rough shifting at low speeds (under 30 mph)
- Transmission slipping sensation
How to Fix
Honda issued TSB 17-043 recommending three consecutive drain-and-fill procedures to completely refresh transmission fluid, followed by software update to recalibrate transmission control module. Fluid deteriorates faster than expected under high heat loads. 2020+ models received improved software calibration.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda/Acura ATF Type 3.1, one quartOEMHonda 08268-P99-4EDAD (supersedes 08200-9017)
Exact fluid branch only when a correctly diagnosed 2018-2019 Odyssey ZF 9AT needs scheduled or condition-based fluid service Fitment/availability: 2018-2019 U.S. Honda Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L with the ZF nine-speed only.
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipDemand complete triple drain-and-fill procedure per TSB 17-043 - single fluid change won't fix it
- TipAfter TSB repair, shuddering may take 100-200 miles of driving to disappear as transmission relearns
- WarningAvoid 2018-2019 Odyssey models if possible - 9-speed transmission has fundamental design flaws
Sources for this issue (1)
A major complaint pattern on 2000-era Accord V6 models involves automatic transmission failure, harsh or erratic shifting, flashing gear indicators, slipping, and sudden loss of drive. Multiple complaints describe the car dropping into near-standstill operation while moving, repeated rebuilds or replacements, and dangerous failures in traffic.
Common Symptoms
- D4 or gear indicator light flashing
- Transmission slipping or flaring between gears
- Vehicle suddenly slows or loses drive while moving
- Harsh shifting or clunking before failure
- Repeated transmission rebuilds or replacements
How to Fix
Diagnosis should start with a scan for transmission-related faults, fluid inspection, and road testing for slip or flare between gears. In many cases the fix is a transmission rebuild or replacement, along with replacement of failed shift solenoids, pressure switches, and worn internal clutch packs; a remanufactured unit is often the most durable repair. Expect about $250 for fluid/solenoid work if caught early, but $2800-$4500 for a quality rebuild or replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda ATF DW-1 automatic-transmission fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-9008
Verify service quantity in the manual.
- Genuine Honda 2000 Accord V6 transmission sensor/solenoid assembliesOEMHonda diagnosis-specific AT solenoid/switch
Confirm sedan/coupe, trim, transmission code, failed circuit and superseded part by VIN before ordering; do not buy every solenoid f
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 10th generation Accord 2.0T uses the ZF 9HP48 9-speed automatic transmission - the same unit that caused widespread complaints in the Honda Pilot (2016-2019) and Acura TLX/MDX. Software-controlled dog clutches are incompatible with Honda's original calibration, causing violent shuddering, harsh downshifts (especially 2nd-3rd gear), hesitation accelerating from stops, and torque converter shudder between 20-65 mph. Honda issued multiple TSBs. The 10th gen 1.5T uses a different transmission (CVT or 6-speed) and does NOT share this issue. 2.0T models are exclusively affected.
Common Symptoms
- Violent shuddering or vibration between 20-65 mph during light acceleration
- Harsh, jerky downshifts from 3rd to 2nd when slowing
- Hesitation or stumbling when accelerating from complete stop
- Torque converter judder (feels like driving over rumble strips)
- Transmission "hunting" between gears on flat highway
- Grinding noise or lurch during shifts
- Check engine light with P17F0 or torque converter codes
How to Fix
Visit Honda dealer for TSB software update (TCM reprogramming) - free under warranty and improved calibration reduces most shuddering. Complete triple drain-and-fill procedure with Honda ATF DW-1 fluid (Honda OEM part #08200-9008, 5 quarts needed, $50-80). Some 2.0T owners report significant improvement after TCM update + fluid change. Severe cases (persistent judder after multiple attempts): ZF 9HP transmission fluid flush with ZF LifeGuard 9 ($100-150). Last resort: transmission replacement ($5,000-7,000). Class action lawsuit filed.
Sources for this issue (1)
Early Honda Accord CVT transmissions suffer from widespread start clutch juddering caused by a manufacturing defect. The issue causes shaking or juddering during acceleration, especially from a stop. Honda acknowledged the problem and extended the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years for affected VINs.
Common Symptoms
- Shaking or juddering during acceleration from a stop
- Vibration felt through the steering wheel and floor
- Hesitation during gear transitions
- Rough or jerky shifts at low speeds
How to Fix
Start clutch replacement (covered under extended warranty for affected VINs). CVT fluid service with Honda HCF-2 fluid. Software update from dealership. Complete CVT transmission replacement in severe cases.
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What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Honda 06270-5C4-315 lower CVT valve-body kitOEMHonda 06270-5C4-315
Install the updated lower valve body required by Honda bulletin 13-053 Fitment/availability: 2013 Accord L4 CVT all VINs and only the specified 2014 L4 CVT VIN ranges in bulletin 13-053. VIN validation and the accompanying PGM-FI softwar…
- Honda 08200-HCF2 HCF-2 CVT fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-HCF2
Refill the second-generation CVT during the diagnosed valve-body repair or specified fluid service Fitment/availability: 2013-2015 Accord L4 CVT only after confirming the HCF-2 fill-plug label and VIN.
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Sources for this issue (1)
The Honda 4-speed automatic in the mid-to-late 1990s Accord is prone to slipping and outright failure, typically around/after 100,000 miles. As the internal clutch material wears, debris circulates in the fluid and clogs the shift solenoids, causing harsh or delayed shifts, flaring, and eventual loss of drive. The J30 V6 automatic (introduced in the US in 1995) is especially notorious, and the failure mode carried into the 1998-2002 V6 cars, which became one of Honda's most infamous transmissions of the era. Owners who never serviced the fluid (Honda ATF, every ~30k) fare worst.
Common Symptoms
- Slipping / RPM flare between gears
- Harsh or delayed shifts, thud on engagement
- No drive in a particular gear (e.g. no 4th)
- Loss of power / acceleration
- Burnt-smelling or dark transmission fluid
How to Fix
Early on, a fluid-and-filter service with genuine Honda ATF and solenoid inspection/cleaning can slow the decline. Once slipping is established, the accepted repair is a full rebuild (new clutch packs, solenoids, torque converter, and cooler flush) or a remanufactured/used transmission. Always flush the cooler and lines to prevent re-contaminating a fresh unit.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Honda ATF DW-1 automatic-transmission fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-9008 ATF DW-1
Perform the specified drain-and-fill service after confirming the transmission and fluid condition Fitment/availability: 1995-1999 Accord four-speed automatic applications originally specifying Honda ATF-Z1, where current Honda service i…
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Sources for this issue (1)
P0700 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0700 mean on a Honda?
P0700 stands for "Transmission Control System Malfunction." P0700 is a general code indicating the transmission control module (TCM) has detected a fault somewhere in the transmission control system and has requested the check engine light be turned on. By itself it doesn't pinpoint the problem — it's an 'umbrella' code that tells you to look for additional, more specific transmission codes stored alongside it. The actual fault could be electrical, a sensor, a solenoid, or an internal transmission issue. You may notice harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or the transmission going into a protective 'limp' mode. On Honda it is documented across 12 models: Odyssey, Accord, Pilot, Fit, Prelude, Insight, Civic, HR-V, Ridgeline, CR-V, Crosstour, Passport.
What are the most common causes of P0700?
The most common causes of P0700 are: Stored companion transmission codes pointing to the real fault, Faulty shift solenoid or pressure control solenoid, Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid, Faulty transmission speed or input/output sensor, Wiring, connector, or ground problems at the transmission, Failing transmission control module (TCM), Internal transmission mechanical wear or clutch problems, Valve body fault or sticking valves. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0700 on a Honda?
Published repair estimates on Honda range from $100 to $7,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0700 on a different make?
View P0700 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.