Checked to see if cruise control worked and now car is in limp mode

Tiny
SHASTA ALLEN RIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 190,000 MILES
I bought this car about three month as ago. I’ve fixed a few minor problems but the car has basically been running really good. The other night I noticed the cruise control lever behind and under the steering wheel I had never paid attention to before and decided to see if I have working cruise control on my car. Cruise light flashed on the control panel and turned off and the cars cruise control does not work. Later my check engine light came on and I’m getting three codes for the cruise control. But my problem is my transmission has started slipping since I tested my cruise control and now I think it is in limp mode and my car is reading code 700 also. Can the cruise control not working cause my transmission to mess up or are these two separate problems. I do not know if it’s my transmission that’s going out or if it’s something way less serious and I don’t have money to spare to take it in right now and have it looked at.
Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 4:44 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

A P0700 is a generic code which is indicating there are trouble codes stored in the vehicles transmission control module (TCM). Can you tell me what the other codes are? You indicated there are three.

I have to be honest, the CC is actuated with engine vacuum which is controlled by the power-train control module. Chances are it isn't the cause, but it is odd that it happened this way. Let me know what codes you found. Also, to read transmission codes (TCM) requires a specific type of scanner. Ones they have at parts stores most times only read P codes like the P0700.

Let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
SHASTA ALLEN RIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I think it’s odd too. Now I wish I never noticed the little cruise control arm at all. The codes are 0700, 0513, 0582, and 0586.
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Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 3:04 PM
Tiny
SHASTA ALLEN RIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I was wrong, two codes are cruise control. The third is from my daughter trying to start the car with my door only spare key. Pretty sure that’s not causing my problems though.
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Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 3:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

Since the two related to the cruise can be the result of a bad speed control servo, I think you have a vacuum leak issue. I need you to check the speed control servo under the hood for a vacuum leak, cracked or disconnected hoses, and the servo itself for leaks.

Here is a link that shows how to check for a vacuum leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

I have attached pictures of the servo so you can easily identify it.

Check that and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
SHASTA ALLEN RIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Will starting fluid work instead of carburetor cleaner? Or WD-40? Lol, I have those now, otherwise I will be checking tomorrow as soon as I go to the store and get some.
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Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

No to the WD-40, and I don't recommend starting fluid because it is extremely flammable. If you hit a spot that is hot enough, it will start a fire. Carb cleaner is also flammable, but not quite as volitale as starting fluid. Just make sure to follow the directions in the link and in no case spray directly onto the exhaust manifold or other extremely hot surface.

Please just be careful.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
SHASTA ALLEN RIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I sprayed pretty much every hose under my hood and no changes at all. I have done this test before on another car so I know what to listen for. My car doesn’t run rough or make any noises. I’m on top of maintenance and all the repairs. About two months ago I had a month of one small thing after another needing to be replaced, the camshaft position sensor, thermostat, power steering pulley, alternator, fuses, a blinker switch, motor mounts, and I just fixed my leaky transmission pan and put a new filter and gasket last month and haven’t lost any fluid since. The first time it felt like the transmission slipped I hurried and added some Lucas transmission stuff just in case it’s going out n that stuff might be legit. Figured don’t wait. And now this. And my car sits the majority of the time so I’m not out tearing it up or anything. I can’t afford a big problem right now.
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 8:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

I have thought long on this issue. I have to be honest, if the transmission is slipping, I can't see anything between the CC and transmission that would cause a slipping. The codes you originally listed are P type codes and not specific transmission codes. I really feel you need to have the computer scanned with a scanner which can read codes from the TCM.

Are you able to have that done?

Let me know. And sorry for the delayed response.

Joe
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
SHASTA ALLEN RIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I took it to the shop this morning and will let you know what they say is wrong when they call tomorrow. I guess it’s better this happened now than in a week or two because it’s time for smog and registration and if it’s my transmission, it’s really not worth investing too much more money into. I would have wasted a couple hundred more for tags on a car sitting in a salvage yard. Hopefully that’s not the case though.
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

I agree. It is odd how the transmission issue started with the CC. I just can't see how they are related unless something happened electronically.

Let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, April 12th, 2019 AT 3:40 PM

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