P0218 Transmission Over Temperature Condition Trouble Code

P0218 Transmission Over Temperature

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Transmission Over Temperature Condition

What does that mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.

If you have a P0218 code stored, then you have a transmission fluid temperature sender and likely have a transmission over-temp light in the instrument cluster

 

If your transmission/transaxle fluid temperature is greater than 290 deg. F then P0218 will set and the overtemp light will illuminate. The number one cause of transmission failure is overheated fluid.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0218 DTC may include:

Vehicle transmission/transaxle won't engage Leaking fluid out of torque converter seal or other location Low fluid in transmission/transaxle

Causes

Potential causes of a P0218 code include:

Overheating due to towing overloaded trailer Transmission cooler or lines restricted Restriction/debris in transmission cooler Low transmission fluid Inoperative cooling fan/fan clutch Missing or damaged front air dam/spoiler Bad transmission fluid temperature sensor

Possible Solutions

If you're towing a heavy load make sure the vehicle is rated for that load. If the load is too heavy, the transmission cooler may not be able to keep the transmission fluid temperature down. An overheated transmission/transaxle won't last long.

Next, make sure that the cooler isn't restricted by any debris and that the lines aren't pinched or leaking. If the transmission cooler is equipped with a cooling fan, make sure it's operating properly. If the transmission fluid smells burnt or is dark in color, perform a transmission fluid flush. If the transmission fluid level is low, top it off and check for leaks.

Note: An overheated transmission can expel fluid out of the vent or out of the torque converter seal.

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