P0218

Transmission Fluid, Temperature Has Been Too High





Fault Symptoms
SID has displayed the message "TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING".
Shifting performance has deteriorated.

Conditions
- Fluid temperature above 170°C for more than 10 seconds.
- Fluid temperature above 140°C for more than 120 seconds at a vehicle speeds exceeding 180 km/h.

Diagnostic Help
When the diagnostic trouble code is generated, the fluid temperature has been so high that the oil may have been degraded. Overheating and slipping in the transmission most often results in discolored oil or oil that smells "burnt". The oil may look good but additives in the oil have been consumed, which results in poor shifting quality. If the function has been activated once or more, the oil should be changed.

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

- Select "Data Display / Output Control (New)"

- Select "Gearbox Fluid Temperature"

The reading is both in V (input from the sensor) and in the control module conversion to °C.

Procedure
Change the transmission fluid. Texaco Texamatic DEXRON III (7045 EU, TL1863 US) or equivalent.