The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, temperature sensitive resistor, that provides information to the transmission control module (TCM) regarding transaxle fluid temperature. The temperature sensor is located in the valve body. The calculated temperature is a factor used to determine the shift time and shift delay time.
The internal electrical resistance of the sensor varies in relation to the operating temperature of the transaxle fluid.
The TCM sends a 5-volt reference signal to the temperature sensor and measures the voltage rise in the electrical circuit. A higher fluid temperature creates a higher resistance in the temperature sensor, thereby measuring a higher voltage signal.
The TCM measures this voltage as another input to help control line pressure, shift schedules, and torque converter clutch (TCC) apply. When transaxle fluid temperature reaches 120°C (248°F), the TCM enters HOT MODE. Above this temperature the TCM modifies the transaxle shift schedule and the TCC apply in an attempt to reduce fluid temperature by reducing transaxle heat generation.
• | The calculated temperature is compared with the predetermined minimum and maximum value. |
• | If the temperature is less than the minimum value or greater than the maximum value, the current temperature is regarded as range and the corresponding error will be set. |
• | No lamp control required by diagnostic information should be stored immediately when the malfunction is detected. |
• | The TCM assumes the transaxle fluid temperature is 60°C (140°F). |
• | No influence on driveability |
Using a scan tool can clear history DTCs.
When DTC P0218 sets, the possible cause of the fault could be the transaxle temperature sensor.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Automatic Transmission? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||
2 |
Did either of the fail conditions occur? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||
3 |
Is the resistance within the specified values? | TFT 25°C (77°F) 990 ohms | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 4 | ||||
4 |
Was a problem found? | -- | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 6 | ||||
5 | Replace the automatic transaxle wiring harness. Is the replacement complete? | -- | System OK | -- | ||||
6 | Replace the TFT sensor. Is the replacement complete? | -- | System OK | -- | ||||
7 |
Is the resistance within the specified value? | ∞ | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | ||||
8 |
Is the repair complete? | -- | System OK | -- | ||||
9 |
Is the voltage within the specified range? | 9-16 V | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 | ||||
10 |
Is the repair complete? | -- | System OK | -- | ||||
11 | Replace the TCM. Refer to Transmission Control Module Replacement . Is the replacement complete? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- | ||||
12 |
Has the last test failed or is the current DTC displayed? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |