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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.1L 🢒 DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature 2.4L and 3.1L


Object Number: 40586 Size: LF

Circuit Description

The transmission fluid pump is constantly circulating fluid through the torque converter. Hot fluid leaving the converter flows through the transmission cooler lines to the oil cooler, located in the vehicle radiator. From the cooler, the fluid returns to the transmission.

Lube 1 fluid flows through the input shaft to lubricate the transmission components in the front of the transmission. The Lube 2 fluid circuit is fed by line pressure at the pressure regulator valve. Lube 2 fluid flows through the oil feed pipes, and into the forward clutch support. Lube 2 fluid provides lubrication to the rear components of the transmission.

When the PCM detects a high transmission fluid temperature for a long period of time, then DTC P0218 sets. DTC P0218 is a type D DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

No TFT sensor DTCs P0711, P0712 or P0713.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The transmission fluid temperature is greater than 130°C (260°F) for 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 stores DTC P0218 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • A scan tool clears the DTC from PCM history.
    • The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive 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 the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

Ask the customer about overloading the vehicle, exceeding the trailer-towing limit, or towing in Overdrive.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for low fluid level, which can cause high transmission fluid temperatures.

    2.

  2. This step inspects for transmission cooling restrictions.

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature (2.4L and 3.1L)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check 2.4L or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check 3.1L

2

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

    3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the PCM.

  3. Record the Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTCs.

Was the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure performed?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Inspect the transmission cooling system for the following conditions:
    2. • Air flow restrictions
    • Air flow blockage
    • Debris
    • Damaged cooler lines
  2. Repair any of the above items as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4
  1. Inspect the valve body for the following conditions:
    2. • A stuck pressure regulator valve
    • A leaking pressure regulator valve
  2. Repair any of the above items as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5
  1. Inspect the oil feed tubes for the following conditions:
    2. • Restrictions
    • Leaking seals
  2. Repair any of the above items as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the torque converter for stator damage.

Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
    4. • Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
    • The transmission fluid temperature must be 129°C (264°F) or less for 5 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0218.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1