P1700 Nissan CVT control unit function fault reported to the engine computer

CVT control unit function / transmission system problem

P1700 in short

On Nissan, P1700 means the engine computer received a fault signal from the transmission (CVT) computer, so it is a general flag rather than a specific part. Owners report it with other CVT codes before the transmission failed. Read the transmission-specific codes, have the CVT inspected soon, and stop driving if it will not move.

P1700 is not a single fault. The engine computer sets it when the transmission computer reports a malfunction, so the answer is in the codes stored in the transmission computer.

Owners report P1700 together with P1778, P0868, P0746 and P1740 on Quest and Murano models that would not accelerate or move and needed a transmission. A 2011 Altima owner saw P1700 beside an input pulley speed code and a CAN communication code, and was told the transmission computer was not sending a signal.

One reference notes the Altima often reports the code from a faulty range sensor circuit, but that is general text and not CVT-specific.

Pick your make

P1700 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Internal CVT failure

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Quest and Murano owners report P1700 with P1778, P0868 and P0746 and a transmission replacement; the Quest van would not accelerate past about 35 mph. Complaint data only.
    What would change this
    Rises if the other CVT codes are stored and the vehicle shudders, will not accelerate or will not move. Falls if P1700 is alone and the CVT drives normally.

  2. Transmission computer communication or signal fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    An Altima owner had P1700 with a CAN communication code and was told the transmission computer was not sending a signal; TAT describes P1700 as the engine computer receiving a fault signal from the TCM.
    What would change this
    Rises if U1000 or other communication codes are stored. Falls if communication is normal.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  3. Transmission range sensor circuit

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    One general reference says the Altima often reports P1700 from a faulty range sensor circuit. It does not give Nissan CVT detail.
    What would change this
    Rises if the gear indicator or start behaviour is wrong. Falls if range signals read normally.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read the codes from the transmission computer, not only the engine computer. Note P1778, P0868, P0746, P1740 and any U1000 stored with P1700.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Have the range sensor circuit and transmission computer communication checked.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, multimeter

    Warning:The sensor and wiring are on the transmission under the car and the fluid can be hot. Leave this to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, often with no driver warning
  • Power loss or poor acceleration
  • Shaking or shuddering
  • Vehicle will not move forward or in reverse Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):The transmission computer is one of several suspects; the CVT itself is what complaints end up replacing. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2011 · Altima

    Supported by vehicle data

    A dealer read P1700 (CVT C/U FUNCT) with P1715 and U1000, and the TCM was not sending a signal.

  • 2014 · Quest

    Supported by vehicle data

    An owner reports P1700 with P1778, P0746 and P0868 and a CVT that would not accelerate and needed replacement.

  • 2009 · Murano

    Supported by vehicle data

    An owner reports P1700 with P0868, P1778 and P0746 and a car that would not move.

  • P1778Manufacturer-specific code. On Nissan CVTs: step motor function, the actual pulley ratio not following the step motor command

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan owners report P1700 and P1778 together on Quest and Murano models with CVT failure.

  • P0868Transmission computer sees fluid pressure lower than it should be

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report P0868 (low transmission fluid pressure) with P1700 before CVT failure.

  • P0746Pressure control solenoid A is not working or stuck off

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report P0746 with P1700 on Quest and Murano CVTs.

All Transmission codes

P1700 questions

Does P1700 tell me which part failed?

No. It is a general flag that the transmission computer reported a fault. Read the transmission-specific codes to find the actual problem.

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint ODI 10946177: 2011 Nissan Altima, P1700 P1715 U1000 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11109927: 2014 Nissan Quest, P1700 P1778 P1740 P0868 P0746 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  3. P1700 fault code: transmission system problems — TAT scandata (tat.net.au)
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11421591: 2009 Nissan Murano, P1700 P0868 P1778 P0746 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  5. P1700 OBD2 code — Rerev
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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