P0218

Gearbox Fluid Temperature Too High
Fault symptoms

SID has displayed the message " TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING"

Shifting performance deteriorated.

Conditions
Gearbox Fluid Temperature higher than 170°C for longer than 10 seconds.

Gearbox Fluid Temperature higher than 140°C for longer than 120 seconds when vehicle speed above 180 km/h.

Diagnostic help
When the diagnostic trouble code has been generated, the temperature of the fluid has been so high that the fluid properties may have deteriorated. Overheating and slip in the gearbox often results in the fluid being discolored or smelling "burnt". It can also appear to be unaffected but any additives in the fluid will have been spent, resulting in inferior shifting performance. The fluid should be changed if this function has been activated.

In warm climates and when driving at high speeds for long periods, the fluid temperature will be higher if the level is high. In order to reduce the risk of high fluid temperature on car being driven under these conditions, the fluid level should be kept at "min" to give a lower temperature.

Information on the gearbox fluid temperature can be read with the diagnostic tool.

- Select "Read Values"
- Select "Gearbox Fluid Temperature"

The value can be read in Volts (input from sensor) or in the control module conversion to °C.

Diagnostic procedure
Change transmission fluid. Texaco Texamatic DEXRON III (7045 EU, TL1863 US)