P0218: Transmission Over Temperature Condition

What Does The P0218 Code Mean?

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.

What Are The Symptoms Of The P0218 Code?

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

What Are The Potential Causes Of The P0218 Code?

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

How Can You Fix The P0218 Code?

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.

Recommended Parts

Below are some recommended auto parts to help you address the trouble code affecting your vehicle and get it running smoothly again:

>>> Transmission Cooler
>>> ACDelco GM OEM Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
>>> Dorman 620-039 Engine Cooling Fan Assembly
>>> Fan Clutch
>>> Front Air Dam
>>> Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor

Note: During the purchasing process, please check carefully whether the part you want to buy fits your car!

Check This Video For Reference

Reference Sources

P0218: Transmission Over Temperature, OBD-Codes.