P0218
DTC P0218
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0218
- Transmission Fluid Overtemperature
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The primary source of heat in the transmission is the torque converter. Hot oil exits the torque converter through the torque converter clutch (TCC) control valve and flows to the transmission cooler supply line. The supply line connects to the cooler, which is in the radiator. From the cooler, the oil returns through the oil cooler return line and enters the lubrication circuits. After lubricating the internal components, the oil returns to the oil pan. The transmission fluid temperature sensor is located in the control solenoid valve assembly.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* The ignition voltage is between 10.2-15.5 V.
* The engine speed is greater than 400 RPM for 2 s.
* The transmission is not in emergency mode.
* Transmission control module (TCM) communication is normal.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
* Vehicle speed less than 180 km/h (112 MPH) and transmission fluid temperature more than 150°C (302°F) for more than 10 s
* Vehicle speed more than 180 km/h (112 MPH) and transmission fluid temperature more than 150°C (302°F) for more than 60 s
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* DTC P0218 is a Type C DTC.
* Warning message to the driver via CAN bus
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* DTC P0218 is a Type C DTC.
* Vehicle speed less than 170 km/h (106 MPH) and transmission fluid temperature less than 140°C (284°F) for more than 3 s
* Vehicle speed more than 170 km/h (106 MPH) and transmission fluid temperature less than 140°C (284°F) for more than 3 s
Diagnostic Aids
Ask the customer whether their typical day-to-day driving include:
* Trailer towing
* Trailer towing should occur in drive (D) 4th gear.
* Hauling or vehicle overloading
* Hot climate driving
* Extended idling
* Extreme off-road conditions
* Ensure the engine cooling system is functioning normally.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics AF40-6 (MDK) - Automatic Transmission
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Sunshade - Left
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Description and Operation
* Transmission Indicators and Messages Transmission Indicators and Messages
* Transmission Component and System Description Transmission Component and System Description
* Transmission Overheats Transmission Overheats
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information
Special Tools
Special Tools AF40-6 (MDK) - Automatic Transmission
Circuit/System Verification
1. Verify the transmission fluid level, color and odor is correct. Refer to Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill.
• If the fluid level, color or odor is not correct
Refer to Circuit/System Testing
• If the fluid level, color or odor is correct
2. Review the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data when the DTC set.
• If the engine coolant temperature (ECT) was above 125°C (257°F) when the DTC set
Refer to Engine Overheating Engine Overheating and correct that concern first.
• If the engine coolant temperature (ECT) was in the normal range when the DTC set
3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. It may be helpful to operate the vehicle within the conditions identified from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
• If the DTC sets
Refer to Circuit/System Testing
• If the DTC does not set
4. All OK.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Inspect the transmission cooling system for restrictions or damage, inducing any auxiliary cooler if equipped. Refer to Transmission Overheats Transmission Overheats.
• If a defect is found
Repair or replace the damaged components as necessary.
• If no defect found
2. Perform the Line Pressure Check Line Pressure Check to verify proper transmission line pressure.
• If the line pressure not OK
Repair or replace the damaged component as necessary.
• If the line pressure OK
3. Perform the Road Test Road Test to verify that not DTCs are set.
• If any DTCs are set
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle
• If none DTCs are set
4. All OK.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.
* Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill
* Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection
* Control valve body replacement, refer to Control Valve Body Replacement Control Valve Body Replacement.
* Refer to Control Module References Control Module References for TCM replacement, programming and setup.
* Perform the Transmission Adaptive Functions Transmission Adaptive Functions.