P0218 fault code: what it means

P0218: Transmission over temperature: the gearbox fluid has run too hot, common when towing in heat.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

towing or heavy loads in hot weather
old or broken-down fluid
poor gearbox cooling

P0218 by make

Ford

Transmission over temperature: the gearbox fluid has run too hot, common when towing in heat.

Usual causes: towing or heavy loads in hot weather; old or broken-down fluid; poor gearbox cooling

Mercedes-Benz

Transmission fluid over-temperature. On the 722.9 (7G-Tronic) faulty check valves in the valve body can also make the gearbox control unit overheat.

Usual causes: low transmission fluid or leak; faulty fluid temperature sensor; faulty valve body check valves (722.9); internal wear

Nissan

CVT fluid over temperature. Nissan CVTs are heat sensitive; repeated overheating wears the belt and valve body.

Usual causes: low or degraded CVT fluid; blocked CVT cooler or cooler filter; towing or hard hill work; internal CVT wear

What the repair usually costs

Automatic transmission fluid service, drain and refill (car)NZ$210–NZ$470 · A$210–A$450
Automatic transmission fluid service (SUV / ute / 4WD)NZ$300–NZ$680 · A$290–A$650
Automatic transmission service with pan / filter (European ZF / Mercedes)NZ$610–NZ$1,240 · A$570–A$1,160
CVT fluid service (car)NZ$250–NZ$580 · A$250–A$550

Not sure what P0218 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.