AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

Quick Answer

The Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor is a 2-wire sensor located in the pressure switch manifold. Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Obstructions to the airflow to the radiator or transmission, Radiator damage. 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Transmission Fluid Overtemperature.
Common causes: Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Obstructions to the airflow to the radiator or transmission, Radiator damage.
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 276

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Description

The Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor is a 2-wire sensor located in the pressure switch manifold. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) supplies the transmission fluid temperature sensor signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The resistance of the transmission fluid temperature sensor decreases as the oil temperature increases. The TCM monitors the voltage drop across the transmission fluid temperature sensor and calculates the temperature of the transmission fluid in the sump. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when the transmission sump temperature is 122°C (251°F) or greater for 10 s.

OBDII Code P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Transmission Fluid Overtemperature - AutoCodes.com — P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Transmission Fluid Overtemperature

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Low transmission fluid level
Obstructions to the airflow to the radiator or transmission
Radiator damage
Transmission cooling system concerns

How to Fix the DTC P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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.

Need more information about the P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0218 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The common symptoms of code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado include the transmission overheating warning light illuminating on the dashboard, transmission slippage, and potential difficulty shifting gears.

2. What causes the OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is typically caused by high transmission fluid temperature, which may result from low fluid levels, a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, or issues with the transmission cooler.

3. How serious is OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Code P0218 should be taken seriously as it indicates that the transmission fluid is overheating, which can lead to damage to internal transmission components if not addressed promptly.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado cause further damage?

Continuing to drive with code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado can potentially cause further damage to the transmission components due to the overheating of the transmission fluid.

5. What should I do if I get OBDII code P0218 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

If you receive code P0218 in your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, it is recommended to stop driving the vehicle, allow it to cool down, check the transmission fluid level, and have the transmission system inspected by a qualified mechanic.

6. How can I diagnose OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing code P0218 involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, checking the transmission fluid level and condition, inspecting the transmission cooler for blockages, and testing the transmission fluid temperature sensor.

7. What are some possible repair tips for OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairing code P0218 may involve topping up the transmission fluid, replacing a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, flushing the transmission fluid, checking for any leaks, and ensuring the transmission cooler is functioning properly.

8. Can I reset OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado by disconnecting the battery?

While disconnecting the battery may clear the code temporarily, it is not a recommended long-term solution for addressing the underlying issue causing code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost of repairing code P0218 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from a simple sensor replacement to more extensive transmission repairs.

10. Is it safe to drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P0218 if the warning light is not on?

Even if the warning light is not currently illuminated, it is still not recommended to drive the vehicle with OBDII code P0218 as the transmission fluid may still be overheating, potentially causing damage to the transmission components.