AutoCodes – Ford – P0218 2012 Ford Fusion

P0218 2012 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 2012 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 3,067

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 2012 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 2012 Ford Fusion - Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition - AutoCodes.com — P0218 2012 Ford Fusion Code - Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0218 2012 Ford Fusion?

Low transmission fluid level
Transmission cooling system concerns

How to Fix the DTC P0218 2012 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 2012 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 2012 Ford Fusion Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0218 (Transmission Fluid Temperature Over Temperature Condition) in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- Common symptoms include the transmission overheating warning light illuminating, harsh shifting, transmission slipping, and potential limp mode activation.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- Possible causes include low transmission fluid levels, a malfunctioning transmission fluid temperature sensor, a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit, or a problem with the transmission fluid cooler.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- Diagnosis involves checking the transmission fluid level and condition, testing the transmission fluid temperature sensor, inspecting the sensor wiring and connectors, and ensuring the transmission fluid cooler is functioning properly.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with this code can potentially lead to severe transmission damage due to overheating. It is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent costly repairs.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- Repair tips include topping up transmission fluid to the correct level, replacing a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, and ensuring proper transmission fluid cooling.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion without addressing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without fixing the root cause may temporarily clear the warning light, but the underlying problem leading to transmission overheating will persist and could worsen over time.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific issue causing the code. It may range from a simple sensor replacement costing a couple of hundred dollars to more extensive repairs involving the transmission cooler, costing over a thousand dollars.

8. Can extreme weather conditions contribute to triggering OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- Yes, extreme heat or towing heavy loads in hot weather can increase transmission fluid temperatures and potentially trigger the over-temperature condition associated with code P0218.

9. What is the recommended course of action if OBDII code P0218 reoccurs after repair in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- If the code reoccurs after repair, it is advisable to recheck the transmission fluid level, inspect the sensor and wiring for any issues, and ensure proper functioning of the transmission fluid cooler to address any potential underlying problems.

10. Can regular maintenance help prevent OBDII code P0218 in a 2012 Ford Fusion?

- Yes, regular maintenance such as checking and changing transmission fluid as recommended, inspecting transmission components, and addressing any leaks promptly can help prevent issues leading to code P0218 and ensure optimal transmission performance.