Transmission over-temperature condition
What P0218 means
Your car's computer set P0218: Transmission over-temperature condition. It belongs to the fuel and air metering group of codes. It is a generic code, so it means the same thing on every make. The check engine light usually comes on once the fault has been seen on two drives in a row. Until then it shows up as a pending code.
Can I keep driving? Pull over and let the transmission cool. Driving it hot burns the fluid and damages the clutches inside.
Common causes
- Low or old transmission fluid
- Heavy towing or hauling, or long climbs in hot weather
- Blocked or missing transmission cooler
- Torque converter slipping
Fix the cheapest, most likely cause first. Clearing the code without a repair only turns the light off until the fault comes back.
Check it yourself
Ease off, avoid towing until it is checked, and check the fluid level and smell (burnt smell = overheated).
Torque Deck reads P0218 with a cheap Bluetooth OBD2 adapter. It also shows the freeze frame (engine conditions at the moment the code set) and the live data you need to narrow it down.
Parts
Parts most often replaced for P0218: transmission fluid. Confirm the cause first, and match the part to your exact engine.
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Related codes
This page explains what the code usually means. It is not a diagnosis of your car. When in doubt, ask a mechanic.