Guide To P0218 OBD Error Code Solutions

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The P0218 can be defined as transmission over temperature condition. This fault code means that the transmission temperature has exceeded the maximum limit which has been allowed that has been set by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

If an OBD-II equipped vehicle returns a P0218 fault code, then it would mean that the transmission fluid temperature which is detected by the powertrain control module has exceeded the allowable limit. Generally, this limit is 290 degrees Fahrenheit.

What causes this problem with the Transmission Over Temperature?

• The transmission fluid temperature sensor can turn out to be bad
• Damaged or missing front air dam or spoiler
• Broken cooling fan or fan clutch
• The transmission fluid might be low
• Fluid leak from torque converter seal, pan, cooler, etc
• Debris or other restrictions in transmission cooler
• Transmission lines or cooler restricted
• Towing overloaded trailer leading to overheating

1. Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor - Did your mechanic just found out that there is some fault in the Transmission fluid temperature sensor? Buy top notch Transmission fluid temperature sensor from us at economical prices.
2. Front Air Dam - A damaged Front air dam can cause a lot of issues. It would be nice if you get it replaced on time.
3. Cooling Fan - Everything is fine with the Transmission fluid temperature sensor and still OBD code P0218 flashing? Then there is definitely some fault with the Cooling fan. Get it checked and replace if needed.
4. Torque Converter Seal - Torque converter seal is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0218 code may start flashing.
5. Transmission Cooler - A faulty Transmission cooler can be troublesome. You can always rely on us as we have best auto parts for our customers.
6. Transmission Lines - P0218 code does not really end up spoiling your Cooling fan, but it might also accompany few Transmission lines issues. We have best Transmission lines with us.

We care for our customers and that’s why we can totally understand your problem. That’s the reason why we have listed out some major symptoms behind the flashing up of OBD Code P0218. They are mentioned here as follows:

Common Symptoms

• There can be low fluid in transaxle or transmission
• Fluid can start leaking from torque converter seal, pan, cooler, etc
• No engagement by the transaxle or transmission
• Limp mode
• Issue of slipping

We have listed out some ways which would help you to correct the OBD P0218

• You must repair a transmission fluid leak by replacing parts such as the radiator, transmission cooler, transmission cooler lines, or transmission pan gasket
• If your transmission temperature sensor is damaged, then you must replace it
• The powertrain control module should be replaced
• Rebuilding or replacing the entire transmission
• Make sure that you repair an engine overheating condition

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You must follow these steps mentioned below to diagnose this fault code:

• There is a temperature sensor in the engine which is usually a two or three-wire variable resistance sensor which provides the powertrain control module with data
• The sensor has a voltage wire which is typically it is a 5-volt reference signal and a ground wire
• The powertrain control module would use the reference voltage wire to monitor engine temperature
• As engine temperature increases, sensor resistance would start decreasing and reference voltage would increase
• Now when the engine is cool, sensor resistance is high, driving reference voltage to the powertrain control module would decrease
• The powertrain control module receives input reference voltage readings as variations in engine temperature and reacts accordingly
• If engine temperature is excessive, a code is stored and a service engine soon lamp is illuminated. Any vehicle, in which the engine has excessively overheated, should undergo a thorough diagnosis of the engine cooling system before any repairs are performed
• In most cases this diagnosis should include a pre-emptive chemical block test
• A special application device is used in this test to capture steam from the engine cooling system where a chemical agent reacts to any hydrocarbons found therein
• By testing for hydrocarbons in the engine cooling system, the technician can make sure that the replacement of such components as the thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, heater core, or radiator will effectively repair the overheating condition by ruling out block and cylinder head (or cylinder head gasket) damage
• After the possibility of a faulty engine block or cylinder head has been eliminated, correcting the problem can be a simple as using a cooling system pressure tester to locate a coolant leak, and then repairing it
• If you find out that there are no coolant leaks, then you should suspect the thermostat, cooling fan, or radiator (circulation). If the engine appears to be in good working order and doesn’t appear to be overheating, suspect a faulty engine temperature sensor
• A scanner or code reader, a digital volt ohmmeter, and access to a manufacturer’s wiring schematic will be necessary to successfully diagnose this fault code
• Begin your diagnosis with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors
• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary
• Make sure that you always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components (Including fuses) appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner (or code reader) to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data
• This information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored
• After the codes are cleared, operate the vehicle to see if the code returns
• If the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition
• Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made. Continue by unplugging the electrical connector from the engine coolant temperature sensor and testing for reference voltage
• This is usually 5-volts but consult your manufacturer’s service manual to be sure
• If there is a 5-volt signal present with the ignition turned to the run position, then check the sensor ground wire
• If both the reference signal and the ground signal are present, test the sensor resistance using the manufacturer’s temperature to resistance chart
• Compare your findings to the manufacturer’s specifications and replace the sensor if it fails to comply. If the sensor and voltage at the sensor are within acceptable specifications, disconnect the PCM electrical connector and test circuit continuity and resistance between the sensor and the PCM
• Repair or replace system circuitry and components as required and retest the system. Should all system circuitry and sensors check out, suspect a faulty PCM but keep in mind that powertrain control module failure is very rare and its replacement will require reprogramming.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0218 Code

• A most common mistake which can be made while diagnosing the P0218 can be finding one issue and then later stopping the further diagnosis
• The leaking of the transmission can be one other issue, this problem can cause the fluid level to go low and this can cause internal transmission damage
• Make sure that you carefully inspect all the problems before calling the repair as it is complete