Home / DTC / P0218 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition

P0218 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition

Detailed page for trouble code P0218.

32,304codes
58brands
9,850generic
22,454specific
Reset
Code

P0218

Generic P — Powertrain

Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition

Brand: Generic
Views: UK: 10 EN: 33 RU: 24
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

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

  1. 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
  2. Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
  3. Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
  4. 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
  5. 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)
  6. If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
  7. If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
  8. 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
  9. If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
  10. 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 :)
Send to email
Code

P0218

GWM P — Powertrain

- Transmission overheat

Brand: GWM
Views: UK: 1 EN: 3 RU: 1
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

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

  1. 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
  2. Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
  3. Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
  4. 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
  5. 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)
  6. If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
  7. If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
  8. 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
  9. If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
  10. 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 :)
Send to email
Code

P0218

HUMMER P — Powertrain

Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

Brand: HUMMER
Views: UK: 5 EN: 14 RU: 15
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

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

  1. 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
  2. Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
  3. Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
  4. 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
  5. 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)
  6. If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
  7. If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
  8. 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
  9. If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
  10. 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 :)
Send to email
Code

P0218

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

Excessive fluid temperature condition

Views: UK: 4 EN: 14 RU: 14
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

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

  1. 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
  2. Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
  3. Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
  4. 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
  5. 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)
  6. If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
  7. If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
  8. 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
  9. If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
  10. 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 :)
Send to email
Code

P0218

SEAT P — Powertrain

Temp light - transaxle hot

Brand: SEAT
Views: UK: 0 EN: 3 RU: 1
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

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

  1. 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
  2. Compare TFT Sensor A to TFT Sensor B (if present) and to engine coolant temperature to evaluate plausibility
  3. Visually inspect the TFT sensor and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, pins, or moisture; repair any obvious connector/wire issues
  4. 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
  5. 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)
  6. If bench test or in-vehicle tests show sensor is bad, replace sensor and clear codes; road test and verify normal temperature readings
  7. If sensor tests good but high temps persist, inspect fluid level/condition and replenish or replace fluid as required, then retest
  8. 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
  9. If fluid and cooling are good, investigate internal transmission causes (slipping clutches, torque converter) and consider pressure tests or professional rebuild-level diagnostics
  10. 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 :)
Send to email