DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature. Oldsmobile Intrigue 1998

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1998 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

Automatic Transmission Components
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. As the transmission fluid warms up, the sensor resistance becomes lower. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses TFT sensor information to control torque converter clutch (TCC) apply and release, line pressure and shift timing. The TFT range is -40°C to +151°C (-40°F to +304°F).

If the PCM detects a high transmission fluid temperature for an extended period of time on the TFT sensor circuit, then DTC P0218 sets. DTC P0218 is a type D DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	No TFT sensor DTCs P0711, P0712 or P0713 are set.

•	The transmission fluid temperature is greater than 130°C (266°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.

•	The PCM stores DTC P0218 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

•	A scan tool clears the DTC from the PCM history.

•	The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without an 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 transmission cooling system for possible blockage and restrictions.

•	Inspect the transmission fluid level.

Test Description

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

This step ensures that the transmission fluid is at the proper level. A low fluid level may cause an overtemperature condition.

This step inspects or repairs the following items:

•	Engine: refer to Engine Cooling, in the Engine section.

•	Vehicle: has the vehicle towed excessive weight?

•	Fluid: refer to the Transmission Fluid Check .

•	Filter: replace the filter if the filter is cracked or unseated.

•	Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid Filter and Seal Replacement .

•	Low Line Pressure: Inspect the cooler lines for any crimps or restrictions.

•	Refer to the Line Pressure Check .

•	Radiator: Refer to Engine Cooling, in the Engine section.

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

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 in Engine Controls

Was the transmission fluid checking procedure performed?

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

This DTC sets only if one or more of the following conditions occurs.

Inspect the vehicle for the following conditions:

•	An overheated engine

•	An overloaded vehicle

•	Fluid that has become contaminated with antifreeze

•	A clogged filter or a filter that is not seated correctly

•	Low line pressure caused by clogged or restricted cooler lines

•	A restricted radiator

Repair the faulty items.

Have you completed the inspection and repair procedure?

Go to Step 4

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

Install the Scan Tool .
Select DTC.
Select Clear Info and clear the DTCs.
Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:

•	Road test the vehicle.

•	Monitor the Trans. Fluid Temp. Ensure that the transmission fluid temperature remains below 129°C (264°F) for 5 seconds.

Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P0218.

Has the test run and passed?

System OK

Go to Step 1