Ok, I need some help here. I have a 2000 Dakota Sport 4WD 4.7L w/AT. The problem is this: I got in it the other day and shifted into gear and it didn't go anywhere. The code is P0700. I can run through the gears with and without the brake depressed. I went and talked to someone at an auto parts store and was told it was the park/nuetral sensor. I understand why it could be that, but the problem is that he and the book told me that it is located on the left side of the trans. I have checked everywhere on the dang trans with no luck. There are only two sensors on it on the left side. Neither of which is the right one. I've got the right amount of fluid in it, checked EVERY fuse. I even crawled under another Dakota with the hopes of finding it with no luck. I am in need of my truck back. I finally landed a job again and need it to get back and forth. I've had this truck since it was brand new and I can't stand to have it down. I am by no means a master mechanic, but I do know a little. Any help on this is very appreciated. Thank you....

 

I will move this to the 2nd generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

Welcome to the forums:

P0700 is a generic code that indicates there is a fault code stored in the TCM.

You need a scanner capable of reading those codes to further troubleshoot. Usually that means dealer and a DRB.

 

Could be anything from low fluid, to a bad sensor, to something worse it seems...like DakDan said though you need to take it to the dealer to get them to read the code for this one. Type this, P0700 EATX Ctrller DTC Present, in google and do some research if you want, that is what I did.

 

sounds like destroyed clutch packs and a bad tourque converter check the color of the fluid if it looks like a strawberry milk shake you have a leak in your cooler in the radiator. Had it happen on an intrepid years ago

 

If it was fine before this, make sure it isn't something stupid like the transfer case is in neutral.

 

I checked the trans fluid and all seems well....TomA, you got me thinkin' with the transfer case. My 4WD shiftin' linkage is apart where it allows ya to shift it into 4WD or 2WD. I think I'll check that out once the sun comes up. The shiftin' linkage has been that way for over a year now. I should have fixed it when it happened, but it still ran and I just got caught up in work. Thanks for the responses, I'll check it out and let ya'll know somethin'.

 

Still no luck with my truck. I don't want to get it towed to the dealership and it be something that I could have been able to fix. Any other suggestions????\

 

we need to know the actual code to help you out go to a parts store and get us the p07xxx number cause p0700 tells us only that there is a problem with the trans. most hand held scanners can get it. or take it to the dealer and pay them to do it. the key dance is no good to us in this situation

 

Chris,

Getting it towed may be your best option. Most of us don't have the tools to pull the codes to diagnose the transmission (or the ABS and Airbag systems for that matter). It really is pretty much a dealer diagnostic, or at least a well equipped shop. You can chase all sorts of things and throw parts at it but it may end up costing you more in the long run.

It's not a specific code. It only tells us that there is a code in the TCM.

Odds are the guy at the "parts store" doesn't have a clue. It's almost guaranteed he's not a mechanic.