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P0218DodgeDodge Hornet HubAll Dodge P0218Critical Severity

P0218 on Dodge Hornet

Transmission Fluid Overtemperature Condition

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0218 specifically for the Dodge Hornet (2023–2026, 2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD)).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Dodge Hornet2023–2026
Dodge Hornet
SUV2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD)
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
Hornet SAE Mode $01
ECU Network Bus
500 kbps CAN-FD
ISO 15765-4 Compliant
Drivability Status
Not Recommended
Critical urgency level
Est. Repair Cost
$180 - $2,500 (DIY: $60 - $200)
Parts & Labor DIY
Check P0218 On Another Dodge Model:
Diagnose P0218 on Specific Hornet Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0218 on Dodge Hornet

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Dodge Hornet (2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD)) logs fault code P0218, drivers commonly observe:

Transmission Temperature Warning light or Check Engine Light on Dodge Hornet (2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD))
Burnt transmission fluid smell on Dodge Hornet (2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD))
Transmission slipping, delayed gear engagement, or harsh shifting on Dodge Hornet (2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD))
Vehicle entering Limp Mode / stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear on Dodge Hornet (2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD))
Dodge Hornet OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Under driver steering column lower trim. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Dodge Hornet

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Dodge Hornet point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Severe towing or hauling exceeding vehicle GCWR rating (Dodge OEM Part)
25%
Low or burnt transmission fluid (Dodge OEM Part)
12%
Clogged transmission auxiliary cooler or restricted lines (Dodge OEM Part)
8%
Faulty transmission cooling thermostat or auxiliary fan (Dodge OEM Part)
8%
Failing torque converter clutch generating extreme frictional heat (Dodge OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for Dodge Hornet.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Dodge Hornet

01
Pull Over and Cool Down

Safely park, leave engine idling in Park for 5 minutes to let transmission cooler lower fluid temperature. on the Dodge Hornet equipped with 2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD).

Required Tool: None
02
Check Transmission Fluid Level & Condition

Check dipstick with engine at warm idle. If fluid is dark brown/black or smells burnt, it must be drained and replaced. on the Dodge Hornet equipped with 2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD).

Required Tool: Clean Rag
03
Inspect Transmission Cooler for Blockage

Check front auxiliary transmission cooler for mud, bugs, or bent fins restricting airflow. on the Dodge Hornet equipped with 2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD).

Required Tool: Flashlight, Fin Comb
04
Perform Transmission Fluid & Filter Service

Drop transmission pan, replace internal filter, clean magnet, install new pan gasket, and refill with OEM synthetic transmission fluid. on the Dodge Hornet equipped with 2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD).

Required Tool: Pan Catch, Socket Set, OEM Fluid & Filter Kit
05
Clear Trouble Codes & Monitor Live TFT PID

Clear DTCs and monitor Transmission Fluid Temperature PID on scanner (normal operating range: 175°F–200°F). on the Dodge Hornet equipped with 2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD).

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner with Transmission Telemetry
Recommended Parts & Testing Tools

Equipment for Diagnosing Dodge Hornet (P0218)

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Dodge Hornet OEM Replacement Sensor

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Direct-fit replacement assembly engineered to OEM tolerances for Dodge Hornet.

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Sensor Signal Voltage Meter

AstroAI Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

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Essential for testing 0.1V–5.0V sensor reference signals, ground continuity (<0.20Ω), and harness resistance.

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BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool

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Reads and clears enhanced codes (ABS, Airbag, Transmission, Engine) & live freeze-frame telemetry on phone.

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Other Common Fault Codes on Dodge Hornet

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Dodge Hornet:

4. Dodge Hornet P0218 FAQs

What causes code P0218 to trigger on a Dodge Hornet?

On the Dodge Hornet (2.0L Turbo (265HP) / R/T PHEV (288HP / eAWD)), P0218 is most frequently caused by Severe towing or hauling exceeding vehicle GCWR rating or Low or burnt transmission fluid.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Dodge Hornet?

On the Dodge Hornet, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Under driver steering column lower trim. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Dodge Hornet with code P0218?

No. Pull over and allow transmission to cool immediately. Overheating transmission fluid (>260°F) burns clutches and destroys seals. Given that P0218 carries a Critical severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.