P0700 on Mitsubishi: How to Diagnose & Fix
Transmission Control System Malfunction
4 Mitsubishi models · 4 documented issues · 4 critical · $600-$5,500 repair
P0700 on Mitsubishi by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 4-speed automatic transmission in the 3rd generation Eclipse (particularly V6 GT models) is prone to premature failure. The transmission develops harsh shifting, slipping, and eventually fails completely, often due to overheating and worn clutch packs.
Common Symptoms
- Harsh or delayed shifts
- Transmission slipping in higher gears
- Burnt ATF smell
- Transmission overheating warning
How to Fix
Install an auxiliary transmission cooler to prevent overheating. Change the ATF every 30,000 miles. When the transmission fails, consider a quality remanufactured unit from a Mitsubishi specialist.
Sources for this issue (2)
The Endeavor 4-speed automatic transmission develops harsh shifting and premature wear, often failing between 100,000 and 130,000 miles. The transmission shares components with the Galant and Eclipse platforms, inheriting their reliability weaknesses.
Common Symptoms
- Hard shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear
- Transmission slipping under acceleration
- Delayed reverse engagement
- Overheating during towing
How to Fix
Perform ATF changes every 30,000 miles. Install an auxiliary cooler for vehicles used for towing. A quality remanufactured transmission with updated clutch packs is the best repair option.
Sources for this issue (2)
Non-Evolution Lancer models with the CVT experience premature transmission failure, with the CVT belt and pulleys wearing out between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. The transmission develops slipping, shuddering, and eventually complete failure.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission slipping
- Shudder during acceleration
- Whining noise from transmission
- Loss of drive at highway speeds
How to Fix
Regular CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles can extend transmission life. When the CVT fails, a remanufactured unit from a reputable rebuilder is more cost-effective than a new Mitsubishi unit.
Sources for this issue (3)
The 2004-2012 Galant used different automatics depending on engine and year. 2.4L four-cylinder cars have the F4A4B 4-speed. 3.8L V6 cars used the F4A5A 4-speed through 2007, and later V6 cars, including the GT and Ralliart, got a 5-speed automatic. Owners report harsh or flaring shifts, slipping, and in some cases a transmission that slips and won't shift into another gear until the car is turned off and restarted. One 2007 owner's car did this, and an independent mechanic found the transmission had failed and ordered a new one. A 2006 owner reported a stutter when first shifting into reverse, and a stutter in Drive that lasted as long as the car was cold. For 2004-2005 cars, Mitsubishi issued service bulletin 0523004 for a flare on the 2-3 upshift (engine revs rise without the car pulling). For 2004 cars it also issued bulletin 0423002, a service manual revision giving the procedure for resetting the transmission's learned values. Repairs range from a fluid service or valve body/solenoid work to a full rebuild or replacement, and replacement is expensive.
Common Symptoms
- Harsh shifting between gears
- Engine flares (revs rise) on the 2-3 upshift
- Transmission slipping under load
- Won't shift out of one gear until the engine is restarted
- Stutter when engaging reverse, or while driving with the car cold
- Burnt transmission fluid
How to Fix
1) Check the fluid first: level, colour and smell. If the fluid is burnt, dark or full of debris, or there is metal in the pan, the transmission is probably worn inside and a fluid change will not fix it. 2) Have a shop read the stored transmission codes. Before you replace parts, confirm which transmission your car has, because the 2.4L, early V6 and later V6 use different units. 3) On a 2004-2005 car with a 2-3 shift flare, ask a Mitsubishi dealer about TSB 0523004. On a 2004 car, ask them to reset the learned values using the TSB 0423002 procedure after any fluid, valve body or solenoid work. 4) If the car slips, or sticks in one gear until you restart it, get it diagnosed before you rely on it. Ask a dealer to run the VIN for any open campaigns. One repair guide gives these rough US costs for Mitsubishi automatics in general, not the Galant specifically: about $180-400 for a fluid service at an independent shop, about $600-1,800 installed for valve body or solenoid work, and about $2,500-5,500 for a rebuild or replacement. Get a written quote first.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (6)
- Lookup Mitsubishi Transmission by Model, Year - YouCanicarticle
- Mitsubishi TSB 0523004 - 2-3 shift flare (2004 Galant)tsb
- 2004 Mitsubishi Galant TSB listtsb
- 2005 Mitsubishi Galant TSB listtsb
- 2007 Galant power train complaint (NHTSA via CarComplaints)owner-report
- 2006 Galant automatic transmission complaint (NHTSA via CarComplaints)owner-report
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 Mitsubishi?
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 Mitsubishi it is documented across 4 models: Eclipse, Endeavor, Lancer, Galant.
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 Mitsubishi?
Published repair estimates on Mitsubishi range from $600 to $5,500 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 →Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.