P0218 Transmission Over Temperature Condition
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:
Causes
Potential causes of a P0218 code include:
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.
Need help?
Let us fix your problem. You are most welcome our diagnosis experts have in most cases the knowledge and skills to find the cause of the error code p0218 and to solve the problems.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0218 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0218 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0218.
