AutoCodes – Ford – P0218 2006 Ford Fusion

P0218 2006 Ford Fusion Code - Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition

Quick Answer

The flow of transmission fluid starts in the bottom pan and is drawn through the filter, control valve body assembly, transmission case, and into the oil pump assembly. Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Transmission cooling system concerns. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0218 2006 Ford Fusion indicates Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition.
Common causes: Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Transmission cooling system concerns.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 2,107

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 09, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0218 2006 Ford Fusion Description

The flow of transmission fluid starts in the bottom pan and is drawn through the filter, control valve body assembly, transmission case, and into the oil pump assembly. The oil pump assembly pressurizes the fluid and directs it to the pressure regulator valve where it becomes the main supply of fluid to the various components and hydraulic circuits in the transmission. Hot fluid exiting the torque converter flows through the converter clutch apply valve and into the transmission cooler lines to the oil cooler located in the vehicle radiator (and auxiliary cooler if equipped). From the cooler, fluid returns to cool and lubricate the front of the transmission. In forward drive ranges, D4 fluid from the manual valve is routed through an orifice cup plug in the rear of the transmission case to feed the rear lube fluid circuit. When the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a high Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) for a long period of time, then code P0218 will set.

OBDII Code P0218 2006 Ford Fusion - Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition - AutoCodes.com — P0218 2006 Ford Fusion Code - Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0218 2006 Ford Fusion?

Low transmission fluid level
Transmission cooling system concerns

How to Fix the DTC P0218 2006 Ford Fusion?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0218 2006 Ford Fusion code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0218 2006 Ford Fusion Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion?

The common symptoms of code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion include the transmission temperature warning light illuminating on the dashboard, transmission slipping or not shifting properly, and possible overheating of the transmission fluid.

2. What causes the OBDII code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion?

Code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion is typically caused by high transmission fluid temperature, which can be due to low fluid levels, a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, a malfunctioning cooling system, or driving conditions that put excessive strain on the transmission.

3. How serious is OBDII code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion?

Code P0218 should be taken seriously as it indicates that the transmission fluid temperature has reached an overheating condition. Ignoring this code can potentially lead to transmission damage and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

4. What can I do to repair OBDII code P0218 in my 2006 Ford Fusion?

To repair code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion, start by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure the cooling system is functioning properly and check for any leaks. Replace the transmission fluid temperature sensor if faulty, and consider adding an additional transmission cooler if driving conditions warrant it.

5. Can I continue driving my 2006 Ford Fusion with OBDII code P0218?

It is not recommended to continue driving your 2006 Ford Fusion with code P0218, as prolonged high transmission fluid temperatures can lead to transmission damage. It's best to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.

6. How can I prevent OBDII code P0218 from occurring in my 2006 Ford Fusion?

To prevent code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion, ensure regular maintenance of the transmission system, including checking and maintaining proper fluid levels, monitoring the transmission temperature during towing or heavy use, and addressing any cooling system issues promptly.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code P0218 in my 2006 Ford Fusion using a diagnostic tool?

Resetting the OBDII code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion using a diagnostic tool may temporarily clear the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the high transmission fluid temperature. It is important to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem to prevent further damage.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion?

The cost to repair code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. It may range from a simple sensor replacement costing around $100-$200 to more complex repairs involving the transmission cooling system, which could cost several hundred dollars.

9. Can extreme weather conditions contribute to triggering OBDII code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion?

Yes, extreme weather conditions such as hot weather or towing heavy loads in high temperatures can contribute to triggering code P0218 in a 2006 Ford Fusion. It is important to monitor transmission temperatures and take appropriate precautions in such conditions.

10. Will OBDII code P0218 cause my 2006 Ford Fusion to go into limp mode?

In some cases, code P0218 triggering high transmission fluid temperatures may cause the transmission to go into limp mode as a protective measure to prevent further damage. If this occurs, it is important to address the underlying issue promptly to resolve the problem and reset the transmission control module.