P0218 on RAM
Transmission Over Temperature Condition
P0218 on RAM vehicles indicates transmission over temperature condition. Au7o has documented this code across 1 RAM model — most commonly on 1500. This code means the transmission fluid has gotten too hot and exceeded a safe temperature limit. The transmission's temperature sensor reported an overheat condition to the computer, which can be caused by an actual overheating situation or by a faulty sensor reporting a false reading. Excessive heat is one of the most damaging things for an automatic transmission, breaking down the fluid and accelerating wear, so this code should be addressed promptly. The vehicle may enter a reduced-power or limp mode to protect the transmission. Typical repair costs on RAM range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0218
- •Low or old/degraded transmission fluid
- •Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor
- •Clogged or restricted transmission cooler or lines
- •Heavy load/towing or stop-and-go driving overheating the fluid
- •Slipping clutches generating excess heat
- •Faulty cooling fan or radiator (shared cooling) issues
- •Internal transmission wear or restriction
P0218 on RAM by Model
RAM 1500(1 issue)
- Internal Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Mixing Coolant and ATF ('Strawberry Milkshake')2013-2023
The Ram 1500's transmission thermal-management/oil-cooler unit is the only place where engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid pass close together. When this cooler ruptures internally, coolant and ATF cross-contaminate, producing a pink 'strawberry milkshake' in both the cooling system and the transmission. This is a serious failure: contaminated ATF degrades clutches and seals inside the ZF 8-speed and can destroy the transmission if driven on, while loss of coolant risks overheating. Owners report this occurring in the 70k-mile range and across multiple model years. It is distinct from the previously covered torque-converter shudder/harsh-shift issues because the root cause is a cooling/cross-contamination failure, not a hydraulic/valve-body or converter problem.
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View P0218 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0218 mean on RAM?▼
P0218 stands for "Transmission Over Temperature Condition." This code means the transmission fluid has gotten too hot and exceeded a safe temperature limit. The transmission's temperature sensor reported an overheat condition to the computer, which can be caused by an actual overheating situation or by a faulty sensor reporting a false reading. Excessive heat is one of the most damaging things for an automatic transmission, breaking down the fluid and accelerating wear, so this code should be addressed promptly. The vehicle may enter a reduced-power or limp mode to protect the transmission. On RAM specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0218 on RAM vehicles?▼
Common causes on RAM: Low or old/degraded transmission fluid, Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, Clogged or restricted transmission cooler or lines, Heavy load/towing or stop-and-go driving overheating the fluid, Slipping clutches generating excess heat. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0218 on a RAM?▼
Repair costs on RAM range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which RAM models have P0218 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0218 on 1 RAM model: 1500.