DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature 3.8L
The flow of transmission
fluid starts in the bottom pan and is drawn through the filter, control valve
body assembly, transmission case and into the oil pump assembly. The oil pump
assembly pressurizes the fluid and directs it to the pressure regulator valve
where it becomes the main supply of fluid to the various components and
hydraulic circuits in the transmission. Hot fluid exiting the torque converter
flows through the converter clutch apply valve and into the transmission cooler
lines to the oil cooler located in the vehicle radiator (and auxiliary cooler
if equipped). From the cooler, fluid returns to cool and lubricate the front of
the transmission. In forward drive ranges, D4 fluid from the manual valve is
routed through an orificed cup plug in the rear of
the transmission case to feed the rear lube fluid circuit.
When the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a high transmission
fluid temperature (TFT) for a long period of time, then DTC P0218 sets.
DTC P0218 is a type C DTC.
Conditions
for Running the DTC
- No TFT sensor DTCs P0711, P0712 or
P0713.
- The ignition switch is ON for
5 seconds.
Conditions
for Setting the DTC
The TFT is greater than
130°C (266°F) for 600 seconds (10 minutes).
Action
Taken When the DTC Sets
- The PCM does not illuminate the
malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
- The PCM freezes shift adapts from
being updated.
- The PCM records the operating
conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores
this information as Failure Records.
- The PCM stores DTC P0218 in PCM
history.
Conditions
for Clearing the DTC
- A scan tool can clear the DTC.
- The PCM clears the DTC from PCM
history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a
non-emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
- The PCM cancels the DTC default
actions when the fault no longer exists and/or the ignition switch is OFF
long enough in order to power down the PCM.
- The scan tool Trans. Fluid Temp. should rise steadily to a normal operating temperature,
then stabilize.
- Ask about the customer's driving
habits, trailer towing, etc. Trailer towing should occur in D3.
- Refer to Symptom
Diagnosis .
The numbers below refer
to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
|
DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature
(3.8L) Step |
Action |
Value(s) |
Yes |
No |
|
Did
you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check?
|
-- |
Go to A
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
in Engine Controls |
||
Important Before
clearing the DTC, use the Scan Tool in
order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the
Failure Records from the PCM.
Did
you perform the fluid checking procedure? |
-- |
|||
Did
you find and correct the condition? |
-- |
|||
|
Test
for correct line pressure. Refer to Line
Pressure Check Procedure . Did you find and correct the condition? |
-- |
|||
|
Test
the torque converter stator. Refer to Torque
Converter Diagnosis Procedure . Did you find and correct the condition? |
-- |
Go to Diagnostic Aids |
||
|
Perform
the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
Has
the test run and passed? |
-- |
System OK |