P2718 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Are you experiencing irregular acceleration? Improper gear shifts resulting in stalling and jolts? Is there an effect on the fuel consumption patterns of the vehicle? These are a direct indication towards a problematic transmission pressure control solenoid and circuitry, thus causing OBD code P2718 error getting stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Check Engine Light getting illuminated.

P2718 is an OBD-II generic code for a voltage problem with the transmission fluid pressure control solenoid and its signal being sent to the engine computer. The solenoid helps control transmission fluid pressure, and when the PCM detects a problem in the solenoid circuit, OBD code P2718 will flash.

What causes this problem with the Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Control Circuit/Open?

• Transmission fluid level low
• Dirty transmission fluid
• Pressure solenoid valve 'D' failure
• Poor electrical connection to line pressure solenoid valve 'D'
• Malfunctioned Pressure Control Solenoid
• Dirty or clogged transmission filter
• Faulty transmission torque converter
• Affected Transmission Valve Body
• Faulty or damaged wiring and connectors
• Faulty PCM and TCM

1. Engine Control Module - Most of the time it is difficult to intercept the ECM faults and thus must be checked for thoroughly. There can be a problem with the circuit or the software might have malfunctioned. Thus repair, replace or reprogram the component as per requirement.
2. Powertrain Control Module - If the PCM is faulty, it can stores wrong OBD codes and can lead to misdiagnosis. This can happen due to misinterpretation of data received from the various sensors and components which also affects the vehicle’s performance. Thus replace it immediately.
3. Electronic Control Unit – If the ECU is at fault, it will not be able to read the boost converter temperatures correctly leading to underperformance. Thus, replace faulty ECU now!
4. Diagnostic Tool - Choose from our diagnostic tools collection that will come in handy to detect and correct the OBD error code.
5. Throttle Position Sensor – If the TPS is damaged or faulty, it will result in loss of engine power and acceleration along with reduced fuel economy. Replace it immediately, if faulty.
6. Automatic Transmission Solenoid – A defective solenoid can also cause the transmission to shift to the wrong gear, skip a gear, or shift back and forth unpredictably. Thus, check and replace transmission solenoid, if needed.
7. Automatic Transmission Sensor – Since the transmission speed sensors monitor the input and output shaft speed, it also plays a part in monitoring the cruise control. When the sensors fail to deliver accurate data to the onboard computer on your car, truck, or SUV, the powertrain control module (PCM) will send an error code to the vehicle’s ECU.
8. Auto Transmission Torque Converter – If you check the fluid and there are large amounts of black material, it either means your transmission or the torque converter clutches are damaged and needs replacement.
9. Transmission Fluid – The surging transmission condition causes a vehicle to lurch forward before falling backwards during regular driving operation. This is usually due to low transmission fluid levels.

For us our customers are everything, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P2718 code by mentioning some important symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• Not doing the downshift correctly when the car stops at a traffic light
• Delayed response when shifting during acceleration
• Erratic shifting to a neutral gear
• Not being able to shift out of the neutral mode
• Random shifting from one gear to another
• Slow acceleration or getting stuck while driving uphill
• Increased fuel consumption
• Check engine light turned on

After you know the symptoms of your vehicle’s problem, it becomes easy to detect it and get started with solving it. So, next on our list is few common steps to correct this issue with your vehicle.

• Change transmission fluid and filter
• Change defective Pressure Control Solenoid
• Change faulty transmission pump
• Change defective transmission valve body
• Change corrosion, damage or broken connectors and wiring
• Replace defective PCM and TCM

To do all this, you will need a few high quality auto parts such as Transmission, PCM, Pressure Control Solenoid, Transmission Fluid, Transmission Control Module, Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid, Pressure Gauge, Connector, Shift Solenoids, Electronic Pressure Regulator, Torque Converter, High Pressure Pump, Transmission Filter, Transmission Valve Body, Transmission Pump, Transmission shift solenoid, Driveline and so on. From where will you get them? From your local store? Well, why go there when you can order quality parts with us while sitting in the comfort of your home. So, just browse through our website and order your needed parts today.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code P2718:

Check for the transmission fluid level and inspect the condition of the fluid for contamination. If the level is low or the fluid is contaminated, replace or refill the fluid.

Next, visually inspect the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and damaged pins which also included all wiring and connectors to the transmission pressure control solenoids, the transmission pump and the TCM.

Next, check for the voltage output from the solenoid and compare it with the manufacturer’s specifications for your particular make and model. This voltage requirement may vary extensively based on particular make and model.

Unless otherwise specified by the technical data, the normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Continuity checks should always be performed with the power removed from the circuit to avoid shorting the circuit and creating more damage. Resistance or no continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that is open or shorted and must be repaired or replaced.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P2718 Code

Always take professional help and follow the diagnosis instructions properly before coming to a conclusion or simply replacing the solenoid first.

• Replacing PCM, without checking other components for faults
• Replacing pressure control solenoid directly
• Not inspecting faulty wiring and connections