AutoCodes – Ford – P0218 2008 Ford Fusion

P0218 2008 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 2008 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 2,329

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 2008 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 2008 Ford Fusion - Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition - AutoCodes.com — P0218 2008 Ford Fusion Code - Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0218 2008 Ford Fusion?

Low transmission fluid level
Transmission cooling system concerns

How to Fix the DTC P0218 2008 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 2008 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 2008 Ford Fusion Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0218 in a 2008 Ford Fusion?

- Common symptoms include the transmission temperature warning light coming on, transmission slipping or jerking, and decreased fuel efficiency.

2. What causes the OBDII code P0218 in a 2008 Ford Fusion?

- The most common cause of this code is an overheating transmission fluid due to low fluid levels, a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, or a malfunctioning transmission cooler.

3. How serious is the OBDII code P0218 in a 2008 Ford Fusion?

- This code indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is too high, which can lead to transmission damage if not addressed promptly. It is important to address this issue as soon as possible.

4. What should I do if I get the OBDII code P0218 in my 2008 Ford Fusion?

- Check the transmission fluid level and condition first. If the fluid level is low or the fluid is dirty, top it up or replace it. If the fluid level and condition are fine, have the transmission fluid temperature sensor and cooler checked by a professional.

5. Can I continue driving my 2008 Ford Fusion with the OBDII code P0218?

- It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with this code present as it can lead to further transmission damage. It is best to address the issue promptly to prevent more severe problems.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P0218 in a 2008 Ford Fusion?

- The cost of repairs for this code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue. On average, it can cost between $200 to $500 to fix, including parts and labor.

7. Can I reset the OBDII code P0218 in my 2008 Ford Fusion by disconnecting the battery?

- While disconnecting the battery may temporarily clear the code, it is not a recommended solution as the underlying issue causing the code will still be present. It is best to diagnose and repair the problem to prevent further issues.

8. How can I prevent the OBDII code P0218 from appearing in my 2008 Ford Fusion in the future?

- Regularly check and maintain proper transmission fluid levels, ensure the transmission cooler is functioning correctly, and have the transmission fluid temperature sensor inspected during routine maintenance to prevent this code from reoccurring.