Code
P0218
Generic
P — Powertrain
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition
Views:
UK: 30
EN: 67
RU: 41
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Actual transmission fluid over-temperature (excessive heat generation)
- Low transmission fluid level or degraded/burnt fluid
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Damaged wiring or poor connector connection to the sensor (open, short to power/ground)
- Blocked or failed transmission oil cooler or cooling circuit (radiator cooler lines, external cooler)
- Faulty TCM/PCM or incorrect software/calibration
Symptoms
- Transmission temperature warning or gauge showing high temperature
- Illuminated MIL/TPMS/gearbox warning lamp and P0218 stored
- Reduced transmission performance or limp/Reduced Engine Power mode (TCM protective strategy)
- Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement
- Burning smell from transmission fluid, very dark/discolored fluid
- Possible cooling fan running constantly or other cooling system anomalies
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; confirm TFT Sensor A reading and whether it correlates with ambient/engine conditions
- Visually inspect transmission fluid level, color, and smell (burnt/dark fluid indicates overheating/degradation)
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, chafing, pins pushed back, or water ingress
- Compare TFT Sensor A reading to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature for consistency
- Check for transmission oil cooler blockages, collapsed hoses, or radiator cooler issues and cooling fan operation
- Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or ECU/TCM software updates related to TFT readings
Signal parameters
- Typical TFT operating range: ~70–120 °C (158–248 °F) in normal cruise; over-temperature fault often triggered at a specified higher threshold (varies by manufacturer)
- Sensor type: usually a thermistor (NTC) whose resistance decreases as temperature rises
- Expected sensor signal voltage range: ~0.5–4.5 V depending on temperature and vehicle design (verify with manufacturer data)
- Fault trip condition: sustained TFT reading above manufacturer threshold or rapid temperature rise flagged by TCM/PCM
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool and record freeze frame and live TFT Sensor A values; note vehicle speed, load, and ambient/engine temps when code set
- Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
- Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (often 5 V or a known reference), ground continuity, and sensor signal voltage behavior while warming
- Remove sensor (if accessible) and test resistance vs. temperature using a thermometer and multimeter; compare to manufacturer chart or expected thermistor behavior (resistance falls as temperature rises)
- If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
- If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
- Inspect and test transmission cooler lines, radiator cooler, and external cooler for blockages or collapsed hoses; verify cooling fan operation and thermostat if vehicle uses a transmission cooler integrated with engine cooling
- If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive under load to confirm the fault does not return; if it does, capture new freeze frame and proceed to advanced diagnostics or module testing
Likely causes
- Low fluid level or severely degraded fluid leading to poor cooling
- Faulty or intermittently failing transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Wiring harness or connector corrosion/short to power or ground
- Restricted or failed transmission cooler or cooler lines causing poor heat rejection
Fault status
Status
TCM/PCM detected Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A reporting an over-temperature condition; diagnostic code P0218 stored. Investigate sensor, wiring, fluid level/condition, and cooling system before repair.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
Similar codes
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Code
P0218
GWM
P — Powertrain
- Transmission overheat
Views:
UK: 24
EN: 34
RU: 17
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Actual transmission fluid over-temperature (excessive heat generation)
- Low transmission fluid level or degraded/burnt fluid
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Damaged wiring or poor connector connection to the sensor (open, short to power/ground)
- Blocked or failed transmission oil cooler or cooling circuit (radiator cooler lines, external cooler)
- Faulty TCM/PCM or incorrect software/calibration
Symptoms
- Transmission temperature warning or gauge showing high temperature
- Illuminated MIL/TPMS/gearbox warning lamp and P0218 stored
- Reduced transmission performance or limp/Reduced Engine Power mode (TCM protective strategy)
- Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement
- Burning smell from transmission fluid, very dark/discolored fluid
- Possible cooling fan running constantly or other cooling system anomalies
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; confirm TFT Sensor A reading and whether it correlates with ambient/engine conditions
- Visually inspect transmission fluid level, color, and smell (burnt/dark fluid indicates overheating/degradation)
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, chafing, pins pushed back, or water ingress
- Compare TFT Sensor A reading to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature for consistency
- Check for transmission oil cooler blockages, collapsed hoses, or radiator cooler issues and cooling fan operation
- Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or ECU/TCM software updates related to TFT readings
Signal parameters
- Typical TFT operating range: ~70–120 °C (158–248 °F) in normal cruise; over-temperature fault often triggered at a specified higher threshold (varies by manufacturer)
- Sensor type: usually a thermistor (NTC) whose resistance decreases as temperature rises
- Expected sensor signal voltage range: ~0.5–4.5 V depending on temperature and vehicle design (verify with manufacturer data)
- Fault trip condition: sustained TFT reading above manufacturer threshold or rapid temperature rise flagged by TCM/PCM
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool and record freeze frame and live TFT Sensor A values; note vehicle speed, load, and ambient/engine temps when code set
- Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
- Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (often 5 V or a known reference), ground continuity, and sensor signal voltage behavior while warming
- Remove sensor (if accessible) and test resistance vs. temperature using a thermometer and multimeter; compare to manufacturer chart or expected thermistor behavior (resistance falls as temperature rises)
- If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
- If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
- Inspect and test transmission cooler lines, radiator cooler, and external cooler for blockages or collapsed hoses; verify cooling fan operation and thermostat if vehicle uses a transmission cooler integrated with engine cooling
- If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive under load to confirm the fault does not return; if it does, capture new freeze frame and proceed to advanced diagnostics or module testing
Likely causes
- Low fluid level or severely degraded fluid leading to poor cooling
- Faulty or intermittently failing transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Wiring harness or connector corrosion/short to power or ground
- Restricted or failed transmission cooler or cooler lines causing poor heat rejection
Fault status
Status
TCM/PCM detected Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A reporting an over-temperature condition; diagnostic code P0218 stored. Investigate sensor, wiring, fluid level/condition, and cooling system before repair.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
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Code
P0218
HUMMER
P — Powertrain
Transmission Fluid Overtemperature
Views:
UK: 24
EN: 38
RU: 29
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Actual transmission fluid over-temperature (excessive heat generation)
- Low transmission fluid level or degraded/burnt fluid
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Damaged wiring or poor connector connection to the sensor (open, short to power/ground)
- Blocked or failed transmission oil cooler or cooling circuit (radiator cooler lines, external cooler)
- Faulty TCM/PCM or incorrect software/calibration
Symptoms
- Transmission temperature warning or gauge showing high temperature
- Illuminated MIL/TPMS/gearbox warning lamp and P0218 stored
- Reduced transmission performance or limp/Reduced Engine Power mode (TCM protective strategy)
- Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement
- Burning smell from transmission fluid, very dark/discolored fluid
- Possible cooling fan running constantly or other cooling system anomalies
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; confirm TFT Sensor A reading and whether it correlates with ambient/engine conditions
- Visually inspect transmission fluid level, color, and smell (burnt/dark fluid indicates overheating/degradation)
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, chafing, pins pushed back, or water ingress
- Compare TFT Sensor A reading to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature for consistency
- Check for transmission oil cooler blockages, collapsed hoses, or radiator cooler issues and cooling fan operation
- Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or ECU/TCM software updates related to TFT readings
Signal parameters
- Typical TFT operating range: ~70–120 °C (158–248 °F) in normal cruise; over-temperature fault often triggered at a specified higher threshold (varies by manufacturer)
- Sensor type: usually a thermistor (NTC) whose resistance decreases as temperature rises
- Expected sensor signal voltage range: ~0.5–4.5 V depending on temperature and vehicle design (verify with manufacturer data)
- Fault trip condition: sustained TFT reading above manufacturer threshold or rapid temperature rise flagged by TCM/PCM
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool and record freeze frame and live TFT Sensor A values; note vehicle speed, load, and ambient/engine temps when code set
- Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
- Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (often 5 V or a known reference), ground continuity, and sensor signal voltage behavior while warming
- Remove sensor (if accessible) and test resistance vs. temperature using a thermometer and multimeter; compare to manufacturer chart or expected thermistor behavior (resistance falls as temperature rises)
- If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
- If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
- Inspect and test transmission cooler lines, radiator cooler, and external cooler for blockages or collapsed hoses; verify cooling fan operation and thermostat if vehicle uses a transmission cooler integrated with engine cooling
- If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive under load to confirm the fault does not return; if it does, capture new freeze frame and proceed to advanced diagnostics or module testing
Likely causes
- Low fluid level or severely degraded fluid leading to poor cooling
- Faulty or intermittently failing transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Wiring harness or connector corrosion/short to power or ground
- Restricted or failed transmission cooler or cooler lines causing poor heat rejection
Fault status
Status
TCM/PCM detected Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A reporting an over-temperature condition; diagnostic code P0218 stored. Investigate sensor, wiring, fluid level/condition, and cooling system before repair.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for HUMMER
69
Browse 69 HUMMER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
HUMMER
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Code
P0218
LAND ROVER
P — Powertrain
Excessive fluid temperature condition
Views:
UK: 21
EN: 37
RU: 26
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Actual transmission fluid over-temperature (excessive heat generation)
- Low transmission fluid level or degraded/burnt fluid
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Damaged wiring or poor connector connection to the sensor (open, short to power/ground)
- Blocked or failed transmission oil cooler or cooling circuit (radiator cooler lines, external cooler)
- Faulty TCM/PCM or incorrect software/calibration
Symptoms
- Transmission temperature warning or gauge showing high temperature
- Illuminated MIL/TPMS/gearbox warning lamp and P0218 stored
- Reduced transmission performance or limp/Reduced Engine Power mode (TCM protective strategy)
- Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement
- Burning smell from transmission fluid, very dark/discolored fluid
- Possible cooling fan running constantly or other cooling system anomalies
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; confirm TFT Sensor A reading and whether it correlates with ambient/engine conditions
- Visually inspect transmission fluid level, color, and smell (burnt/dark fluid indicates overheating/degradation)
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, chafing, pins pushed back, or water ingress
- Compare TFT Sensor A reading to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature for consistency
- Check for transmission oil cooler blockages, collapsed hoses, or radiator cooler issues and cooling fan operation
- Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or ECU/TCM software updates related to TFT readings
Signal parameters
- Typical TFT operating range: ~70–120 °C (158–248 °F) in normal cruise; over-temperature fault often triggered at a specified higher threshold (varies by manufacturer)
- Sensor type: usually a thermistor (NTC) whose resistance decreases as temperature rises
- Expected sensor signal voltage range: ~0.5–4.5 V depending on temperature and vehicle design (verify with manufacturer data)
- Fault trip condition: sustained TFT reading above manufacturer threshold or rapid temperature rise flagged by TCM/PCM
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool and record freeze frame and live TFT Sensor A values; note vehicle speed, load, and ambient/engine temps when code set
- Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
- Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (often 5 V or a known reference), ground continuity, and sensor signal voltage behavior while warming
- Remove sensor (if accessible) and test resistance vs. temperature using a thermometer and multimeter; compare to manufacturer chart or expected thermistor behavior (resistance falls as temperature rises)
- If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
- If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
- Inspect and test transmission cooler lines, radiator cooler, and external cooler for blockages or collapsed hoses; verify cooling fan operation and thermostat if vehicle uses a transmission cooler integrated with engine cooling
- If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive under load to confirm the fault does not return; if it does, capture new freeze frame and proceed to advanced diagnostics or module testing
Likely causes
- Low fluid level or severely degraded fluid leading to poor cooling
- Faulty or intermittently failing transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Wiring harness or connector corrosion/short to power or ground
- Restricted or failed transmission cooler or cooler lines causing poor heat rejection
Fault status
Status
TCM/PCM detected Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A reporting an over-temperature condition; diagnostic code P0218 stored. Investigate sensor, wiring, fluid level/condition, and cooling system before repair.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for LAND ROVER
160
Browse 160 LAND ROVER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
LAND ROVER
-
LAND ROVER: 2023
-
Range Rover Velar
-
-
LAND ROVER: 2022
-
Discovery Sport
-
Range Rover
- Autobiography, 4.4L Eng VIN 7 · 4.4L Eng VIN 72022: Range Rover Autobiography
- Autobiography, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2022: Range Rover Autobiography
- 2022 Range Rover Base
- First Edition
- HSE Westminster, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2022: Range Rover HSE Westminster
- HSE Westminster, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2022: Range Rover HSE Westminster
- SE, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2022: Range Rover SE
- SE, 4.4L Eng VIN 7 · 4.4L Eng VIN 72022: Range Rover SE
- SV
- SVAutobiography
- SVAutobiography Dynamic
- SVAutobiography Dynamic Blk.
-
Range Rover Evoque
-
Range Rover Sport
-
Range Rover Velar
-
LAND ROVER: 2021
-
Discovery Sport
-
Range Rover
- Autobiography, 2.0L Eng VIN Y · 2.0L Eng VIN Y2021: Range Rover Autobiography
- Autobiography Fifty Edition
- 2021 Range Rover Base
- HSE, 2.0L Eng VIN Y · 2.0L Eng VIN Y2021: Range Rover HSE
- HSE, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2021: Range Rover HSE
- HSE Westminster, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2021: Range Rover HSE Westminster
- HSE Westminster, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2021: Range Rover HSE Westminster
- SVAutobiography
- SVAutobiography Dynamic
- SVAutobiography Dynamic Blk.
-
Range Rover Evoque
-
Range Rover Sport
- Autobiography, 2.0L Eng VIN Y · 2.0L Eng VIN Y2021: Range Rover Sport Autobiography
- Autobiography, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2021: Range Rover Sport Autobiography
- Autobiography Dynamic, 2.0L Eng VIN Y · 2.0L Eng VIN Y2021: Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
- Autobiography Dynamic, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2021: Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
- HSE Dynamic
- HSE Silver Edition, 2.0L Eng VIN Y · 2.0L Eng VIN Y2021: Range Rover Sport HSE Silver Edition
- HSE Silver Edition, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2021: Range Rover Sport HSE Silver Edition
- HSE Silver Edition, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2021: Range Rover Sport HSE Silver Edition
- HST
- SE
- SVR
- SVR Carbon Edition
-
Range Rover Velar
-
LAND ROVER: 2020
-
Discovery
- HSE, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2020: Discovery HSE
- HSE, 3.0L Eng VIN V · 3.0L Eng VIN V2020: Discovery HSE
- HSE Luxury, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2020: Discovery HSE Luxury
- HSE Luxury, 3.0L Eng VIN V · 3.0L Eng VIN V2020: Discovery HSE Luxury
- Landmark
- SE, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2020: Discovery SE
- SE, 3.0L Eng VIN V · 3.0L Eng VIN V2020: Discovery SE
-
Discovery Sport
-
Range Rover
- Autobiography
- Base, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2020: Range Rover Base
- Base, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2020: Range Rover Base
- HSE, 2.0L Eng VIN Y · 2.0L Eng VIN Y2020: Range Rover HSE
- HSE, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2020: Range Rover HSE
- HSE, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2020: Range Rover HSE
- HSE, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2020: Range Rover HSE
- SVAutobiography
- SVAutobiography Dynamic
-
Range Rover Evoque
-
Range Rover Sport
- Autobiography Dynamic, 2.0L Eng VIN Y · 2.0L Eng VIN Y2020: Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
- Autobiography Dynamic, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2020: Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
- HSE, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2020: Range Rover Sport HSE
- HSE, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2020: Range Rover Sport HSE
- HSE, 5.0L Eng VIN E · 5.0L Eng VIN E2020: Range Rover Sport HSE
- HSE Dynamic
- HSE PHEV
- HST
- SE, 3.0L Eng VIN K · 3.0L Eng VIN K2020: Range Rover Sport SE
- SE, 3.0L Eng VIN U · 3.0L Eng VIN U2020: Range Rover Sport SE
- SVR
-
Range Rover Velar
- R-Dynamic HSE
- R-Dynamic S, 2.0L Eng VIN X · 2.0L Eng VIN X2020: Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic S
- R-Dynamic S, 3.0L Eng VIN V · 3.0L Eng VIN V2020: Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic S
- S, 2.0L Eng VIN X · 2.0L Eng VIN X2020: Range Rover Velar S
- S, 3.0L Eng VIN V · 3.0L Eng VIN V2020: Range Rover Velar S
- SVAutobiography Dyn.
-
LAND ROVER: 2019
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Code
P0218
SEAT
P — Powertrain
Temp light - transaxle hot
Views:
UK: 20
EN: 27
RU: 17
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Actual transmission fluid over-temperature (excessive heat generation)
- Low transmission fluid level or degraded/burnt fluid
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Damaged wiring or poor connector connection to the sensor (open, short to power/ground)
- Blocked or failed transmission oil cooler or cooling circuit (radiator cooler lines, external cooler)
- Faulty TCM/PCM or incorrect software/calibration
Symptoms
- Transmission temperature warning or gauge showing high temperature
- Illuminated MIL/TPMS/gearbox warning lamp and P0218 stored
- Reduced transmission performance or limp/Reduced Engine Power mode (TCM protective strategy)
- Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement
- Burning smell from transmission fluid, very dark/discolored fluid
- Possible cooling fan running constantly or other cooling system anomalies
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; confirm TFT Sensor A reading and whether it correlates with ambient/engine conditions
- Visually inspect transmission fluid level, color, and smell (burnt/dark fluid indicates overheating/degradation)
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, chafing, pins pushed back, or water ingress
- Compare TFT Sensor A reading to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature for consistency
- Check for transmission oil cooler blockages, collapsed hoses, or radiator cooler issues and cooling fan operation
- Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or ECU/TCM software updates related to TFT readings
Signal parameters
- Typical TFT operating range: ~70–120 °C (158–248 °F) in normal cruise; over-temperature fault often triggered at a specified higher threshold (varies by manufacturer)
- Sensor type: usually a thermistor (NTC) whose resistance decreases as temperature rises
- Expected sensor signal voltage range: ~0.5–4.5 V depending on temperature and vehicle design (verify with manufacturer data)
- Fault trip condition: sustained TFT reading above manufacturer threshold or rapid temperature rise flagged by TCM/PCM
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool and record freeze frame and live TFT Sensor A values; note vehicle speed, load, and ambient/engine temps when code set
- Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
- Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (often 5 V or a known reference), ground continuity, and sensor signal voltage behavior while warming
- Remove sensor (if accessible) and test resistance vs. temperature using a thermometer and multimeter; compare to manufacturer chart or expected thermistor behavior (resistance falls as temperature rises)
- If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
- If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
- Inspect and test transmission cooler lines, radiator cooler, and external cooler for blockages or collapsed hoses; verify cooling fan operation and thermostat if vehicle uses a transmission cooler integrated with engine cooling
- If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive under load to confirm the fault does not return; if it does, capture new freeze frame and proceed to advanced diagnostics or module testing
Likely causes
- Low fluid level or severely degraded fluid leading to poor cooling
- Faulty or intermittently failing transmission fluid temperature sensor (Sensor A)
- Wiring harness or connector corrosion/short to power or ground
- Restricted or failed transmission cooler or cooler lines causing poor heat rejection
Fault status
Status
TCM/PCM detected Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A reporting an over-temperature condition; diagnostic code P0218 stored. Investigate sensor, wiring, fluid level/condition, and cooling system before repair.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
Similar codes
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email