P0218

Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

237

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0218 scans

P0540in 65.8% of scans

P2604in 65.8% of scans

P0016in 64.6% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

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.

Read & clear P0218 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX