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2000 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L V6•FWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
16 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs0Labor479Torque477Fluid7DTC912Battery1Maintenance0Recalls16
P0218critical severityPowertrain

Transmission Over Temperature Condition

on 2000 Ford Windstar 3.8L V6 · FWD

What this code means

The transmission fluid temperature has exceeded safe limits.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Limp mode
  • Harsh shifting
  • Transmission slipping
  • Burning smell

Common causes

  • Low transmission fluid
  • Worn transmission
  • Towing beyond capacity
  • Torque converter failure
  • Transmission cooler blocked

Diagnostic steps

  1. Check transmission fluid level and condition
  2. Inspect cooler lines
  3. Check torque converter
  4. Test cooler flow

Repair notes

STOP DRIVING. Allow to cool. Check fluid level. Overheated transmission can suffer permanent damage.

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Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

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🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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