Back to 1997 Ford Explorer
Help
1997 FORD EXPLORER
5.0L V8•AWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
12 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Founding sponsor spot is openYour name on every procedure for this vehicle, permanently.Sponsor — $99 →
Repairs0Labor539Torque3620Fluid9DTC683Battery1Maintenance0Recalls12
P1700high severityPowertrain

Transmission Indeterminate Failure

on 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0L V8 · AWD

What this code means

The PCM/TCM has detected an indeterminate transmission failure. The transmission has failed to a neutral state. This is a general transmission failure code that may accompany more specific codes.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Transmission slipping
  • Harsh shifts
  • Vehicle in limp mode
  • Transmission may default to one gear

Common causes

  • Internal transmission failure
  • Solenoid pack failure
  • Valve body issue
  • Low transmission fluid
  • Transmission control module failure

Diagnostic steps

  1. Check for additional transmission DTCs for more specific diagnosis
  2. Check transmission fluid level and condition
  3. Inspect transmission wiring connector
  4. Monitor transmission pressures with scan tool

Repair notes

Check for companion DTCs. Check fluid level first. May require transmission disassembly for internal failure.

🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

🔌 Need this data in your app? It's all in the free API →
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
Stuck on this repair? Take it to The Diag Desk — ask a master tech about this exact car → real human answer within 24h, never AI
Share:XRedditFBWhatsAppThreadsEmail
⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 1997 Ford Explorer repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the Ford Explorer — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 20 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →