Generic fault code
P0218 — Transmission fluid temperature sensor A: over temperature
The control unit stores code P0218 when it detects this fault: “Transmission fluid temperature sensor A: over temperature”.
Indicative severity: HighTransmission
Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on
What does code P0218 mean?
The gearbox, especially automatic ones: its sensors, solenoids and torque converter. A fault may lock it in one gear (limp-home mode) or cause harsh shifts.
- System
- P · Powertrain
- Area
- Transmission · Car system: Transmission
- Type
- Generic (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6): the same meaning on every make
- Indicative severity
- High. Diagnose as soon as possible: it may affect safety or cause damage (engine, catalyst, brakes).
What usually causes code P0218?
- Incorrect fluid level or quality (oil, coolant, fuel, reductant)
- Restriction or clogging (filter, duct, soot, ash)
The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.
What are the symptoms of code P0218?
- Harsh, late or slipping shifts
- The gearbox stays in one gear (limp-home mode)
- A flashing gear indicator or the transmission light on
These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.
Can I keep driving with code P0218?
Better not, except when you really have to. This fault may affect safety or damage the engine, the catalytic converter or the brakes. See a workshop as soon as possible; if you must move the car, drive gently and only short distances. If the light flashes, the car loses power, makes unusual noises or the brakes or steering feel different, stop somewhere safe and call for assistance.
This is guidance only: only someone who checks the car can say whether it is safe to drive.
An indicative description of the code's generic meaning. Each manufacturer may give it a different meaning, conditions or tests: always follow its service information and your workshop's advice.
What you can do yourself
For this kind of fault
Avoid towing and heavy loads until it is checked. If your car has a transmission dipstick and the owner's manual explains how to use it, check the level; otherwise leave it to the workshop.
Read the code and keep the report: with an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see it on your phone or computer, with the data captured when the fault happened.
Look for anything obvious: a loose connector, a disconnected hose, a fuel cap not closed properly or a low fluid level. Do not take apart anything you do not know.
Clear the code only after writing it down or after the repair. Clearing turns the light off, but it also deletes the freeze-frame data and the readiness monitors used at the inspection.
Drive normally for a few days and read the codes again. If the code comes back, the fault is still there: book the workshop and bring the report.
Read your car's fault codes on your phone
With an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see the codes in your account, with the data captured when the fault happened, and your workshop can check them remotely, always with your permission.
Related codes
- P0645A/C clutch relay, control circuit: malfunction
- P0646A/C clutch relay, control circuit: signal low
- P0647A/C clutch relay, control circuit: signal high
- P0700Transmission control system: MIL illumination requested
- P0701Transmission control system: range/performance
- P0702Transmission control system: electrical fault
P02xx codes: fuel and air metering (injector circuit)
In the glossary
Read more: Remote OBD diagnostics: what it is, how it works and what it can't do