Circuit Description
The flow of transmission fluid starts in the bottom pan and is drawn through the filter, control valve body assembly, transmission case and into the oil pump assembly. The oil pump assembly pressurizes the fluid and directs it to the pressure regulator valve where it becomes the main supply of fluid to the various components and hydraulic circuits in the transmission. Hot fluid exiting the torque converter flows through the converter clutch apply valve and into the transmission cooler lines to the oil cooler located in the vehicle radiator (and auxiliary cooler if equipped). From the cooler, fluid returns to cool and lubricate the front of the transmission. In forward drive ranges, D4 fluid from the manual valve is routed through an orificed cup plug in the rear of the transmission case to feed the rear lube fluid circuit.
When the VCM 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 Setting the DTC
| • | No TFT Sensor DTCs P0712 or P0713. |
| • | The TFT is greater than 130°C (266°F). |
| • | All conditions met for 600 seconds (10 minutes). |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The VCM does not illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). |
| • | The VCM freezes shift adapts from being updated. |
| • | DTC P0218 stores in VCM history. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | A scan tool can clear the DTC from the VCM history. The VCM clears the DTC from the VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported. |
| • | The VCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the VCM. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | DTC P0218 may set approximately 600 seconds after DTC P0711 has set. If DTC P0711 is also set, follow the diagnostic table for DTC P0711 before proceeding to the diagnostic table for DTC P0218. Repairing the condition that caused DTC P0711 will likely eliminate DTC P0218. |
| • | The TFT displayed on the scan tool should rise steadily to a normal operating temperature, then stabilize. |
| • | Ask about the customer's driving habits, trailer towing, etc. Trailer towing should occur in D3. |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
-
DTC P0711 may cause DTC P0218 to set.
-
This step checks for air flow restrictions or damage which may result in the transmission overheating.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls | |||||||
2 |
Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function will erase the stored Failure Records from the VCM. Was the fluid checking procedure performed? | -- | Go to Transmission Fluid Check | |||||||
Is DTC P0711 also set? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||||
Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing . Was a condition found? | -- | |||||||||
5 | Perform the line pressure check procedure. Refer to Line Pressure Check . Was a condition found? | -- | ||||||||
6 | Inspect the torque converter stator for damage. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Diagnosis . Was a condition found? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |||||||
7 | In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | System OK |
