ALLISON 1000 AND 2000 PRODUCT FAMILIES ELECTRONIC CONTROLS TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC)

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Over Temperature Condition

HYDRAULIC SCHEMATIC - 4th RANGE

1000 AND 2000 PRODUCT FAMILIES

MODULATED MAIN PRESSURE

(G SOLENOID)

Beginning Model Year 2004i (int

Converter Flow Valve
See SIL 03-1 K/2K-04
New Hydraulic Path
...._ ___, ForTCC Signal

V07737.01.00

Circuit Description
The flow of transmission fluid starts in the transmission pan. Fluid is then drawn through the filter and internal
passages into the oil pump assembly. The oil pump pressurizes the fluid into main-pressure that is regulated at the
main-pressure regulator valve. From this point, fluid is directed to the F trim solenoid and to the control-main
regulator and control-main relief valve into the control-main filter assembly and on to all solenoids for use as control
pressure. Hot fluid leaving the torque converter is routed through the converter flow valve to cooler lines and into
the cooler assembly. The transmission oil cooler is located in the radiator. The vehicle may be equipped with an
auxiliary oil cooler. The cooled fluid is returned to the transmission through the return cooler line and to the
transmission lube circuit. The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor, which is part of the PSM, is
located in the oil pan.

If the Transmission Control Module (TCM) detects a high TFT for an extended period of time, then OTC P0218 sets.

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 ALLISON 1000 AND 2000 PRODUCT FAMILIES ELECTRONIC CONTROLS TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC)

Conditions for Running the DTC
• OTCs P0711, P0712, P0713 are not active.
• The components are powered and ignition voltage is greater than 9V and less than 18V (12V TCM) or greater
than 18V and less than 32V (24V TCM).
• Engine speed is greater than 200 rpm for more than 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

OTC P0218 sets when the TCM detects a transmission sump temperature greater than 126°C (252°F) for
10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• The TCM does not illuminate the CHECK TRANS light.
• The TCM freezes shift adapts (DNA).
• The TCM records the operating conditions when the conditions for setting the OTC are met. The TCM stores
this information as Failure Records.
• OTC P0218 is stored in the TCM history.
• The TCM defaults to "hot mode" shift schedule where 4th-range is held and TCC is inhibited to increase engine
speed and improve cooler flow.

Conditions for Clearing the OTC/CHECK TRANS Light

• A Scan Tool may be used to clear the code from the TCM history.
• The TCM automatically clears the OTC from the TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles
without the OTC recurring.
• The TCM cancels the OTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the OTC passes test.

Diagnostic Aids
• Verify the customer's driving habits, such as trailer towing, etc.
• The Scan Tool transmission fluid temperature (TFT) should rise steadily during warm-up cycles and then
stabilize.
• OTC P0218 may set after OTC P0711 (not active) has set. Follow the diagnostic table for OTC P0711 before
proceeding to the diagnostic for OTC P0218. Repairing the condition that set OTC P0711 will likely eliminate
OTC P0218.

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

3. This step inspects for air restriction and loss of transmission fluid flow, causing an extremely high TFT.
4. This step tests main-pressure.
5. This step inspects for a stuck torque converter stator.

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Over Temperature Condition

Step Action Yes No
1 Was the Beginning The Troubleshooting Process Go to Step 2 Go to Beginning The
(Paragraph 5-4A) performed? Troubleshooting
Process
(Paragraph 5-4A)

Copyright© 2004 General Motors Corp. 5-25

 ALLISON 1000 AND 2000 PRODUCT FAMILIES ELECTRONIC CONTROLS TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC)

DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Over Temperature Condition (cont'd)

Step Action Yes No
2 1. I n stall the Scan Tool. Go to Step 3 Go to A/T Fluid
2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Checking Procedure.
3. Record the Failure Record data. (Appendix P)
4. Clear the OTC.
5. Perform the A/T Fluid Checking Procedure (Appendix P).
Was the A/T fluid level check performed?
3 1. Inspect the engine cooling system for the following Go to Step 6 Go to Step 4
conditions:
• Air flow restrictions
• Air flow blockage
• System fluid level and condition
• Debris
2. Inspect the transmission cooling system for the following
conditions:
• Air flow restrictions
• Air flow blockage
• System fluid level and condition
• Debris
• Damaged cooler lines or hoses
Did you find and correct the condition?
4 Perform the Main Pressure Check Procedure. Refer to Go to Step 6 Go to Step 5
Appendix B.
Did you find and correct a pressure problem?
5 Check for a possible torque converter stator malfunction. Go to Step 6 Go to General
A stuck stator would be indicated by no cool-down in neutral Troubleshooting
after stalling the transmission. Refer to Section 7. (Section 7)
Did you find and correct the condition?
6 Perform the following procedure in order to verify your Begin the diagnosis System OK
repair: again.
1 . Clear the OTC. Go to Step 1
2. Using the Scan Tool, monitor the transmission fluid
temperature.
3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions.
4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
5. The TFT must be less than 126°C (258°F) for at least
10 seconds.
6. Using the Scan tool, verify that the test to detect this code
has run.
Has the test run and passed?

5-26 Copyright© 2004 General Motors Corp.