P0218 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition
What P0218 means
P0218 is a condition code: the transmission or engine module reports that transmission fluid temperature sensor A reads above an overheat limit. Saab's Aisin automatic sets it above 170 °C for more than 10 s, or above 140 °C for two minutes at high speed, shows a 'transmission overheating' warning and shifts less smoothly; afterwards a fluid change is advised because the additives are spent. Ford uses its own code on diesels and lists P0218 without the warning light on other models. Reactions include earlier torque converter lock-up, a modified shift pattern and sometimes reduced power. Causes are real overheating – towing, hills, low or old fluid, a clogged cooler – or a sensor reading wrongly.
P0218 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0218
- Transmission overheating warning
- Changed or harsh shifting
- Limp mode or reduced power possible
- Burnt fluid smell
Common causes of P0218
- Most likelyHigh load (towing, hills, sustained full throttle, stop-and-go in heat)
- PossibleTransmission fluid low or aged
- PossibleFluid cooler, thermostat or lines clogged, weak cooling system
- Less likelyTorque converter clutch slipping or internal damage
- Less likelyTemperature sensor or wiring reading wrongly
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Transmission fluid temperature sensorTransmission coolerAutomatic transmission
What each part of P0218 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 18 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0218 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0218
What does P0218 mean?
P0218 means "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition". P0218 is a condition code: the transmission or engine module reports that transmission fluid temperature sensor A reads above an overheat limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0218?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0218 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0218 fail an emissions test?
P0218 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0218 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0218 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.