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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1996 🢒 Aurora 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transaxle - 4T80-E 🢒 DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

Object Number: 25444 Size: MF

Circuit Description

The Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. As the transmission fluid warms up, the sensor resistance becomes lower. The PCM uses TFT information to control Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) apply and release, line pressure, and shift time. The TFT range is -40°C to +151°C (-40°F to +305°F).

When the PCM detects a high transmission fluid temperature for an extended period of time on the TFT sensor circuit, then DTC P0218 sets. DTC P0218 is a Type C DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • No ECT DTCs P0116, P0117 or P0118 are set.
    • No TFT DTCs P0711, P0712 or P0713 are set.
    • The engine coolant is greater than 0°C (32°F).

Failure Criteria

    • Case 1: The transmission fluid temperature is greater than 130°C (266°F) for 15 minutes.
    • Case 2: The transmission fluid temperature is greater than 144°C (291°F) for 32 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

IDLE ENGINE TRANSMISSION HOT message displays on the Driver Information Center.

Conditions for Clearing the DIC/DTC
    • The transmission fluid temperature must be less than 120°C (248°F) for more than 5 seconds.
    • A scan tool can clear the DTC from the PCM history. The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported.

Diagnostic Aids
    • Inspect the transmission cooling system for possible blockage and restrictions.
    • Ensure that the transmission fluid is at the proper level.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This Step ensures that the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check was performed.

    2.

  2. This Step ensures that the transmission fluid is at the proper level. A low fluid level may cause an overtemperature condition.

    3.

  3. This Step inspects or repairs the following conditions:

    4. • Engine: Refer to Cooling and Radiator, section 6.
    • Vehicle: Was the vehicle used to tow excessive weight?
    • Fluid: Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .
    • Filter: Replace the filter if the filter is cracked or not seated. Refer to Filter Replacement, in On-Vehicle Service.
    • Scavenger Screens: Refer to Unit Repair.
    • Low Line Pressure: Inspect cooler lines for any crimps or restrictions. Refer to Line Pressure Check .
    • Radiator: Refer to Cooling and Radiator, section 6.

DTC P0218 Automatic Transmission Fluid Over Temperature

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Have you performed the transmission fluid checking procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

This DTC can only be set if one or more of the following items is at fault.

    • An overheated engine
    • An overloaded vehicle
    • Fluid that has become contaminated with antifreeze
    • A clogged filter or a filter that is not seated correctly
    • Clogged scavenger screens
    • Low line pressure caused by clogged or restricted cooler lines
    • A restricted radiator
  1. Inspect the items.
  2. Repair the faulty items.

Have you completed the inspection and repair procedure?

--

Go to Step 4

--

4

In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
    4. • Road test the vehicle.
    •  Monitor the Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature. Ensure that the Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature remains below 120°C for 5 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P0218.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1