DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature. GMC Truck GMC Suburban

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1999 🢒 GMC Suburban - 2WD 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transmission - 4L80-E 🢒 DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature Gas

Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics Gas
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The flow of transmission fluid starts in the transmission pan. It is then drawn through the filter and transmission case into the oil pump assembly. The oil pump assembly pressurizes the fluid (line pressure), which becomes the main supply line of fluid. This fluid is directed to various components and hydraulic circuits within the transmission. The pressure regulator valve receives this fluid and directs it to the converter clutch shift valve. The converter clutch shift valve directs hot fluid leaving the torque converter or regulated converter feed fluid, through the cooler line to the transmission oil cooler. The transmission oil cooler is located in the radiator. The vehicle may also be equipped with an auxiliary oil cooler. The cooled fluid (center lube) is returned to the transmission through the return cooler line and into center lube port of the transmission. The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor, senses the fluid temperature in the transmission pan.

If the vehicle control module (VCM) detects a high TFT 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 P0712 or P0713.

•	The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT is greater than 130°C (266°F) for 410 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The VCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).

•	The VCM freezes shift adapts from being updated.

•	The VCM stores DTC P0218 in VCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

•	A scan tool clears the DTC from VCM history.

•	The VCM clears the DTC from VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.

•	The VCM 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 VCM.

Diagnostic Aids

•	Inspect the cooling system fluid level and condition.

•	Verify the customer's driving habits, such as trailer towing, etc. . .

•	The scan tool Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) should rise steadily during warm-up cycles then stabilize.

•	DTC P0218 may set approximately 600 seconds after DTC P0711 has set. Follow the diagnostic table for DTC P0711 before proceeding to the diagnostic table for DTC P0218. Repairing the condition that set DTC P0711 will likely eliminate DTC P0218.

•	First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP sensor codes that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.

Test Description

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

DTC P0711 may also set a DTC P0218. Go to the DTC P0711 tables for diagnosis.

This step inspects for air restrictions and loss of transmission fluid flow, causing an extremely high TFT.

DTC P0218

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

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

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (5.7L) or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (7.4L)

Install the Scan Tool .
With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the VCM.

Record the Failure Records.
Clear the DTCs.
Perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure.

Refer to 4L80-E Transmission Fluid Check .

Was the fluid checking procedure performed?

Go to Step 3

Go to 4L80-E Transmission Fluid Check

Is DTC P0711 also set?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

Inspect the engine cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•

Debris

Inspect the transmission cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•

Debris

•	Damaged cooler lines or hoses.

•	Low A/T Fluid Cooler flow.

•	Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .

Was a condition found?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

Perform the Line Pressure Check Procedure.

Refer to 4L80-E Line Pressure Check .

Was a condition found?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

Inspect the torque converter stator for damage.

Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .

Was a condition found?

Go to Step 7

Go to Symptom Diagnosis Transmission Overheating

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

Select DTC.
Select Clear Info.
Operate the vehicle under the following conditions.

•	Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

•	The TFT must be less than 129°C (265°F) for at least 5 seconds.

Select Specific DTC.
Enter DTC P0218.

Has the test run and passed?

System OK

Go to Step 1

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature Diesel

Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics Diesel
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

If the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a high TFT for a long period of time, then DTC P0218 sets. DTC P0218 is a type D DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	The engine is running greater than 475 RPM for greater than 7 seconds.

•	The system voltage is 8.0-18.0 volts.

•	TFT is greater than -38°C (-36.4°F).

•	TFT is less than 149°C (300°F).

•	All conditions are met for 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	The TFT is greater than 130°C (266°F).

•	All conditions are met for 600 seconds.

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 the 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

•	Inspect the cooling system fluid level and condition.

•	Verify the customer's driving habits, such as trailer towing, etc. . .

•	The scan tool TFT should rise steadily during warm-up cycles then stabilize.

•	DTC P0218 may set approximately 600 seconds after DTC P0711 has set. Follow the diagnostic table for DTC P0711 before proceeding to the diagnostic table for DTC P0218. Repairing the condition that set DTC P0711 will likely eliminate DTC P0218.

•	First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP sensor codes that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.

Test Description

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

DTC P0711 may also set a DTC P0218. Go to the DTC P0711 table for diagnosis.

This step inspects for air restrictions and loss of transmission fluid flow, causing an extremely high TFT.

DTC P0218

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

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

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Install the Scan Tool .
With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

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

Record the Failure Records.
Clear the DTC.
Perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure. Refer to 4L80-E Transmission Fluid Check .

Was the fluid checking procedure performed?

Go to Step 3

Go to 4L80-E Transmission Fluid Check

Is DTC P0711 also set?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

Inspect the engine cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•

Debris.

Inspect the transmission cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•

Debris

•	Damaged cooler lines or hoses

•	Low A/T fluid cooler flow. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .

Was the condition found?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

Perform the Line Pressure Check Procedure. Refer to 4L80-E Line Pressure Check .

Was the condition found?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

Inspect the torque converter stator for damage. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .

Was the condition found?

Go to Step 7

Go to Symptom Diagnosis Transmission Overheating

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

Select DTC.
Select Clear Info.
Operate the vehicle under the following conditions.

•	Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

•	The TFT must be less than 129°C (264°F) for at least 5 seconds.

Select Specific DTC.
Enter DTC P0218.

Has the test run and passed?

System OK

Go to Step 1