GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2004 🢒 ION 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transmission - VT25-E 🢒 DTC P0218

Object Number: 893147 Size: LF

Circuit Description

The primary source of heat in the transmission is the torque converter. Hot oil exits the torque converter through the torque converter clutch (TCC) control valve and flows to the transmission cooler supply line. The supply line connects to the cooler, which is located in front of the radiator. From the cooler, the oil returns through the oil cooler return line and enters the lubrication circuits. After lubricating the internal components, the oil then returns to the oil pan. The oil pump draws oil through the filter. It pressurizes the oil and directs it to the line 1 pressure regulator valve and driven sheave. The line 1 pressure regulator valve is the starting point for the main supply of oil to the torque converter and the transmission hydraulic control systems.

If the transmission control module (TCM) detects a high transmission fluid temperature for a long period of time, DTC P0218 sets. DTC P0218 is a type C DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

No TFT DTCs P0711, P0712 or P0713.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The transmission fluid temperature is greater than 140°C (284°F) for 3 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The TCM does not request the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • SERVICE VEHICLE and HOT TRANS messages displays on the driver information center (DIC).
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0218 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DIC/DTC
    • The TCM clears the DIC message when the condition no longer exists.
    • A scan tool can clear the DIC/DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring

Diagnostic Aids

Ask the customer about overloading the vehicle, or exceeding the trailer towing limit.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for low fluid level, which can cause high transmission fluid temperatures.

    2.

  2. This step inspects for transmission cooling restrictions.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: 

       • Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases the Failure Records from the TCM.
       • Using the Clear Eng./Trans. DTC Info function erases stored DTCs in both the ECM and TCM.

  3. Record the DTC Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTC.

Did you perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Inspect the transmission cooling system for the following conditions:
    2. • Air flow restrictions
    • Air flow blockage
    • Debris
    • Damaged cooler lines
  2. Repair any of the above conditions as necessary.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4
  1. Inspect the oil cooler pipe system for the following conditions:
    2. • Restrictions, bends in oil cooler lines
    • Leaking seals
    • Restricted oil cooler
  2. Repair any of the above conditions as necessary.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Did you perform the Line Pressure Check Procedure?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Line Pressure Check

6

Inspect the torque converter for stator damage.

Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
  4. Select specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0218.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8

With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61)

System OK