OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0218 Transmission Fluid Over Temperature
The TCM/PCM detected that automatic transmission fluid temperature exceeded the safe operating threshold. Continued operation accelerates wear on clutches and friction surfaces; many vehicles will engage a fail-safe mode and limit gear selection.
Is it safe to drive with P0218?
The car may go into limp mode (reduced power). Get it diagnosed before a long trip.
Common causes
- Most likelyLow or degraded transmission fluid
- PossibleTransmission cooler blocked or restricted
- PossibleSustained heavy load or towing
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–4 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Transmission Fluid, Transmission Cooler, Transmission Temperature Sensor
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.