GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Holden 🢒 2005 🢒 Calais 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0218

DTC Description

This diagnostic procedure supports DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature.

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, the oil cooler located in the vehicle locator, 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 transmission control module (TCM) detects a high transmission fluid temperature (TFT) for a long period of time, DTC P0218 sets. DTC P0218 is a type C DTC.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics , Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View , Automatic Transmission Internal Connector End Views , Automatic Transmission Control Module Connector End Views , and Automatic Transmission Related Connector End Views to aid in diagnosis.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • No DTCs P0711, P0712, or P0713.
    • The ignition switch is on for 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT is greater than 130°C for 600 seconds (10 minutes).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The TCM does not request the ECM to illuminate the check powertrain icon.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adapt functions.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the conditions for setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores the DTC P0218 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • Tech 2 can clear the DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes.

Diagnostic Aids
    • Tech 2's Transmission Fluid Temp. 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 D..
    • Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission.

Test Description

The following numbers refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table:

2 Low transmission fluid can cause the transmission to overheat.

3 This step inspects for airflow restrictions or damage, which may result in the transmission overheating.

4-5 Decrease in line pressure will cause the transmission to overheat. The torque convertor stator is the pump for the transmission fluid. If the torque converter is damaged, it may not be producing the required pressure.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Has the Diagnostic System Check been performed?

Go to Step 2

Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission

2
  1. Connect Tech 2 to the DLC.
  2. Turn on the ignition, with the engine off.

    3. Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the Tech 2 Freeze Frame/Failure Record in order to record the transmission parameters at the time the DTC set. Using Tech 2 clear the DTC (s) erases the Freeze Frame/Failure Record records from the TCM.

  3. On Tech 2 select:

    4. Transmission/Automatic Transmission/Diagnostic Trouble Codes/Freeze Frame.

  4. Select the relevant DTC and note the parameters at the time of the DTC setting.
  5. On Tech 2 select: Diagnostic Trouble Codes/Clear Engine and Transmission DTCs.
  6. Follow the instructions on Tech 2 and clear the DTCs.
  7. Inspect for correct transmission fluid level, refer to Transmission Fluid Check.

Did you perform the fluid checking procedure?

Go to Step 3

Perform the transmission fluid checking procedure, refer to Transmission Fluid Check

3
  1. Inspect the engine cooling system and transmission cooling system for the following conditions:
    2. • Air flow restrictions
    • Air flow blockage
    • Debris
  2. Inspect the transmission cooling system for damaged cooler lines.
  3. Check the flow rate of the transmission fluid, refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Test for correct line pressure, refer to Line Pressure

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Diagnose the torque converter stator, refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Check for an intermittent fault in the circuit, refer to Section 12P Wiring Diagrams

6

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. On Tech 2 select Diagnostic Trouble Codes/Clear Engine and Transmission DTCs.
  2. Follow the instructions on Tech 2 and clear any DTCs.
  3. Start and idle the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
  4. On Tech 2 select: Data Display/Transmission Data
  5. Drive the vehicle for 10 minutes.
  6. On Tech 2, monitor the Transmission Fluid Temp. and ensure it has stabilized and is less than 129°C.
  7. On Tech 2 select: Diagnostic Trouble Codes/Read DTC Information.

Has DTC P0218 set?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 7

7

On Tech 2 select: Diagnostic Trouble Codes/Read DTC Information.

Does Tech 2 display any DTCs you have not diagnosed?

Refer to 4.6 Diagnostic Trouble Code List

System OK

When all diagnosis and repairs are completed, check the system for correct operation.