DTC P0218. GMC Truck Savana 2001

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2001 🢒 Savana 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Theft Deterrent 🢒 DTC P0218

DTC P0218 Gas

Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics 4L80E 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 powertrain control module (PCM) detects a high TFT for a long period of time, then DTC P0218 sets. DTC P0218 is a type C DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

No TFT sensor DTCs P0711, P0712 or P0713.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT is greater than 130°C (266°F) for greater than 600 seconds (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 records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records.

•	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 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

•	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 (10 minutes) 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.

Test Description

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

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

DTC P0218

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Did you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls (4.3 L) or Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls (5.0/5.7 L) or Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls (8.1 L) in Engine Controls

Install a Scan Tool .
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

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 DTCs.
Perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Was the fluid checking procedure performed?

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

Inspect the engine cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•	System fluid level and condition

•

Debris

Inspect the transmission cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•

Debris

•	Damaged cooler lines or hoses

•	Low AT Fluid Cooler flow

•	Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

Perform the Line Pressure Check Procedure.

Refer to Line Pressure Check .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

Inspect the torque converter stator for damage.

Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

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

•	Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

•	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 Diesel

Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics 4L80E Diesel
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The flow of transmission fluid starts in the transmission bottom pan. Fluid is 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 trough 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 bottom pan.

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 C DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

No TFT sensor DTC P0711, P0712 or P0713.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT is greater than 130°C (266°F) for greater than 600 seconds (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 records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records.

•	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 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

•	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 (10 minutes) 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.

Test Description

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

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

DTC P0218

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Did you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls

Install a Scan Tool .
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Important: Before clearing the DTC, 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 DTC Failure Records.
Clear the DTC.
Perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Was the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure performed?

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

Inspect the engine cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•	System fluid level and condition

•

Debris

Inspect the transmission cooling system for the following conditions:

•	Air flow restrictions

•	Air flow blockage

•

Debris

•	Damaged cooler lines or hoses.

•	Low AT fluid cooler flow.

•	Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

Perform the Line Pressure Check Procedure.

Refer to Line Pressure Check .

Did you find the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

Inspect the torque converter stator for damage.

Refer to the Torque Converter Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

Install a Scan Tool .
Select DTC.
Select Clear Info.
Start and idle the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
Select Engine Run Time and Trans. Fluid Temp. on the Scan Tool .
Drive the vehicle for 15 minutes.
Ensure that the transmission fluid temperature has stabilized and is less than 129°C (264°F).
Select Specific DTC.
Enter DTC P0218.

Has the test run and passed?

System OK

Go to Step 1