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1998 Honda Accord V6 Auto: P1706 Transmission Control Malfunction - What Does It Mean?

Model: 98 Honda Accord Fault Code: P1706 Posted: 2006-09-20 11:22

My 1998 Honda Accord EX-V6 with automatic transmission has the check engine light on. The code reader displays 'P1706 - Transmission Control Malfunction'. This fault is often linked to issues in the electronic control system of the automatic transmission, such as sensor failures or communication errors between the transmission and the vehicle's ECU. I'm not sure what exactly is causing this issue—could it be a simple sensor problem or something more serious like internal transmission failure? I'd appreciate any insights from owners or mechanics with experience on this model. Is there a recommended diagnostic step before replacing parts? Can I clear the code and monitor for recurrence?

Related fault codes
P1706
Comments (5)
Anonymous 2006-09-20 12:16

The P1706 fault indicates that the electronic control module of the automatic transmission has detected an error in its operation. This could stem from a faulty speed sensor, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning transmission control unit (TCU).

Anonymous 2006-09-20 12:39

Thanks for the reply! Is this a serious issue? Can I just clear the code and see if it returns? Jeff Compton wrote: The P1706 fault indicates that the electronic control module of the automatic transmission has detected an error in its operation. This could stem from a faulty speed sensor, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning transmission control unit (TCU).

Anonymous 2006-09-20 13:46

Yes, this is a significant issue—clearing the code won’t fix it. The fault will likely return if the root cause isn't addressed. Possible causes range from a simple speed sensor failure to more serious transmission problems. How does your car shift under normal driving conditions? Any hesitation, slipping, or rough shifts?

Anonymous 2006-09-20 14:06

Thanks, Jeff. I'll monitor the check engine light closely. The automatic transmission is shifting smoothly as far as I can tell—no noticeable issues during daily use. Jeff Compton wrote: Yes, this is a significant issue—clearing the code won’t fix it. The fault will likely return if the root cause isn't addressed. Possible causes range from a simple speed sensor failure to more serious transmission problems. How does your car shift under normal driving conditions? Any hesitation, slipping, or rough shifts?

Anonymous 2006-09-21 06:15

OKAY! Thanks for the clarification—this helps me understand what to look out for next.