OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0218 GMC

Transmission Fluid Over Temperature Condition

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0218 GM definition:
If you have a P0218 GM code stored, then you have a transmission fluid temperature sender and likely have a transmission over-temp light in the instrument cluster If your transmission/transaxle fluid temperature is greater than 290 deg. F then P0218 GM will set and the overtemp light will illuminate. The number one cause of transmission failure is overheated fluid.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0218 GM
Symptoms of a P0218 GM DTC may include: Vehicle transmission/transaxle won’t engage Leaking fluid out of torque converter seal or other location Low fluid in transmission/transaxle

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0218 GM
Potential causes of a P0218 GM code include: Overheating due to towing overloaded trailer Transmission cooler or lines restricted Restriction/debris in transmission cooler Low transmission fluid Inoperative cooling fan/fan clutch Missing or damaged front air dam/spoiler Bad transmission fluid temperature sensor

Possible Solutions

If you’re towing a heavy load make sure the vehicle is rated for that load. If the load is too heavy, the transmission cooler may not be able to keep the transmission fluid temperature down. An overheated transmission/transaxle won’t last long. Next, make sure that the cooler isn’t restricted by any debris and that the lines aren’t pinched or leaking. If the transmission cooler is equipped with a cooling fan, make sure it’s operating properly. If the transmission fluid smells burnt or is dark in color, perform a transmission fluid flush. If the transmission fluid level is low, top it off and check for leaks. Note: An overheated transmission can expel fluid out of the vent or out of the torque converter seal.