P0218
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition
Transmission
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0218 means the transmission fluid temperature has exceeded its normal range — the transmission is overheating. It's commonly caused by low or degraded fluid, heavy towing or load, or a restricted cooler, and sometimes by a faulty temperature sensor. Overheating can quickly damage the transmission, so the safest response is to stop, let it cool, and fix the underlying cause.
High
Can I keep driving? Stop and let it cool — the transmission is overheating; continued driving under load can cause permanent transmission damage.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Harsh, delayed, or slipping shifts
- Transmission goes into limp (fail-safe) mode
- Reduced power and acceleration; burnt-fluid smell in severe cases
Common causes
Most likely first
- Low or degraded (burnt) transmission fluidLikely
- Heavy load or towing overheating the transmissionCommon
- Clogged or damaged transmission cooler or cooler linesCommon
- Stuck thermostat or restricted fluid flowLess often
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor reporting a false highLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Stop safely and let the transmission cool before continuing diagnosis.
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition; top up or replace burnt fluid.
- Inspect the transmission cooler and lines for restriction, damage, or blockage.
- Verify the fluid temperature sensor reads accurately before assuming a real overheat.
- Reduce load or towing demand; repair the cooling path as needed, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0218?+
No. This code means the transmission is running too hot, and continued driving — especially under load — can cause costly transmission damage. Let it cool and address the cause.
Can I just clear P0218?+
Clearing it won't cool the transmission or fix low fluid or a blocked cooler. It will return, and the transmission stays at risk until the cause is repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P0218
Read & clear P0218 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX