Help! Error code P1700

[Migalot]

As per subject line, I have a 2.6V^ auto with  error code 1700 which is a transmission fault, I think.

SWMBO used the car during the week for a longish, uneventful drive. When I went to move it yesterday, I got the dreaded engine warning light up. I turned everything off and a few goes later, the engine light went out and I re-parked the car. Today, I jumped in to go to the shops and was unable to get the light out and it appears to be in limp mode. Called the AA and the man got the 1700 code through the pedal test (his OBD reader wouldn't recognise the car!!).

The car has done 82k miles from new and had the transmission oil and filter changed aboout 15k miles ago.

Any ideas what the fault could be? Seems a bit terminal to me.   

[Doctor Gollum]

If it were a 2.2 I would instantly say Cam Sensor.

However, the V6 tends to accurately report the Cam Sensor.

Any recent work done?

[Migalot]

If it were a 2.2 I would instantly say Cam Sensor.

However, the V6 tends to accurately report the Cam Sensor.

Any recent work done?

No, none. I forgot to mention that it (the engine light) has happened once or twice during the last six months – on both occasions when driving off after starting.

Is there a gearbox sensor that could be faulty?

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

Anything going strange with the gearshift lights?

I don't know much about autos but could be something loose or broken underneath, connection wise...

[Andy H]

If you have an Android phone I suggest that you pay £15 for a Bluetooth OBD adapter & download the Scanmyopel app (I think it was £7 for the full version when I downloaded it). Scanmyopel can read codes and live data from the engine, gearbox & ABS/TC ECUs.

The most common cause of gearbox codes are the selector switch or failed gear change solenoids.

Auto gearbox selector switch removal and cleaning

[Migalot]

If you have an Android phone I suggest that you pay £15 for a Bluetooth OBD adapter & download the Scanmyopel app (I think it was £7 for the full version when I downloaded it). Scanmyopel can read codes and live data from the engine, gearbox & ABS/TC ECUs.

The most common cause of gearbox codes are the selector switch or failed gear change solenoids.

Auto gearbox selector switch removal and cleaning

Thanks for that tip. 

I have found this and eurocarparts are just 10 minutes away.

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/streetwize-obdii-code-reader-for-android-and-ios-553999810

[Migalot]

So, thanks to the advice on here, I got an OBD reader and downloaded the scanmyopel app. 

I have the results and just need some kind member to interpret them:

P1605-08
Unknown Error

P0722-04
Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal

P0753-02
Shift Solenoid A (1-2/3-4 Shift) Circuit Low Input

P0000-00
Unknown Error

P0758-02
Shift Solenoid B (2-3 Shift) Circuit Low Input

P1500-08
Internal Power Control Final Stage Watchdog Error

P1625-02
Internal Power Control Final Stage Low Input

[Doctor Gollum]

How does the car drive? Does the gearbox shift as expected?

[Migalot]

I haven't tried driving it for fear of damaging the transmission. Moving back and forth, it selects Drive and Reverse OK.
I live on top of a hill, so don't want to risk getting stranded!

Could it be a relay fault?

[Migalot]

Browsing online, I'm beginning to think it needs a new transmission inhibitor switch.

[Migalot]

I'd never heard of an inhibitor switch before, but checking out images online it looks like the gear selector switch. Is that right?? Could be that AndyH was on the right track!

Anyway, if it is the same, I suddenly remembered that I had one from my previous pre-facelift 2.5 in my shed. I've dug it out and wondered whether it would work on my 2.6?

Can anyone confirm? I think the part number is 1 348 06248A.

[Doctor Gollum]

It's the same gearbox  if you have one it's worth a try and report back.

[Migalot]

It's the same gearbox  if you have one it's worth a try and report back.

Will do, Doc! 

[biggriffin]

Just clean the selector mechanism, there's a guide.

[Andy H]

Just clean the selector mechanism, there's a guide.

Auto gearbox selector switch removal and cleaning
It isn't a complete guide - I grabbed the images from peoples posts when they were grappling with selector switch problems.

The first task is to check that the indicator lights on the gear selector console match the position of the lever. Clear the codes and see if any reappear.

If it is the switch at fault then you should be able to take it apart and clean/regrease it. the fun part will be getting to it 

and adjusting it correctly when you refit ......