P0218
- Powertrain
- Generic (SAE)
Get it looked at now
Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.
Transmission Fluid Over Temperature
This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.
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.
A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.
- Safe to drive
- Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.
- Urgency
- Get it looked at now
- Will it pass emissions
- Not affected
- Check engine light
- Solid
- 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
Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.
| # | Cause | How often | Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low or degraded transmission fluid | Very common | — |
| 2 | Transmission cooler blocked or restricted | Common | — |
| 3 | Sustained heavy load or towing | Common | — |
Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.
- Transmission Fluid
- Transmission Cooler
- Transmission Temperature Sensor
- Definition
- Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
- Diagnostic guidance
- Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
- Review status
- Awaiting review
Found something wrong? Tell us — we publish corrections.