Powertrain
generic / SAE
P0218
Transmission Fluid Over Temperature
The TCM/PCM detected that automatic transmission fluid temperature exceeded the safe operating threshold. Continued operation accelerates wear on clutches and friction surfaces; many vehicles will engage a fail-safe mode and limit gear selection.
SystemPowertrain
Typegeneric / SAE
GroupP0
Range / number2 / 18
Possible causes
- Low or degraded transmission fluid high
- Transmission cooler blocked or restricted medium
- Sustained heavy load or towing medium
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Inspection / repair
- Difficulty: medium
- DIY: possible
- Estimated cost: 50–800 €
- Estimated time: 0.5–4 h
- Component: transmission fluid
- Component: transmission cooler
- Component: transmission temperature sensor
- MIL / check engine light
- limp mode possible
Sources
References
sae:J2012