P2718 — Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Control Circuit/Open

P2718 — Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Control Circuit/Open. A fault in the automatic transmission control. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Typical causes: low or degraded transmission fluid, valve body wear, internal mechanical wear (clutches, torque converter).

powertrain (engine/transmission)

Is it safe to drive?

Drive with caution Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

  1. Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm P2718 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many P0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the automatic transmission control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Subsystem check Check transmission fluid level and condition — dark, burnt fluid points to internal wear.
  5. Subsystem check Read transmission-specific codes and live data (solenoid states, input/output speed) with a capable scanner.
  6. Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm P2718 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P2718 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Transmission fluid service: $150–$350; Transmission rebuild or replacement: $2,500–$5,500; Replace a shift solenoid: $300–$800; Valve body repair or replacement: $700–$1,500. Overall, fixing P2718 usually costs between $150 and $5,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

What are the symptoms of P2718?

Drivers most often notice: slipping between gears, Check Engine or transmission warning light on, shuddering at highway speed, no movement in severe cases.

How do I diagnose P2718 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm P2718, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the automatic transmission control, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What does OBD2 code P2718 mean?

P2718 — Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Control Circuit/Open. A fault in the automatic transmission control. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Typical causes: low or degraded transmission fluid, valve body wear, internal mechanical wear (clutches, torque converter).

Is it safe to drive with P2718?

Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

How much does it cost to fix P2718?

Transmission fluid service — $150–$350; Transmission rebuild or replacement — $2,500–$5,500; Replace a shift solenoid — $300–$800; Valve body repair or replacement — $700–$1,500. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What does P2718 mean?

P2718 is logged by the onboard diagnostics when the automatic transmission control does not behave as expected. The official definition is “Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Control Circuit/Open”. This is a powertrain (engine/transmission) category code.

The module monitors this system continuously while driving. When readings fall outside the expected range for a defined number of drive cycles, it stores P2718 and switches on the warning light. Freeze frame data saved with the code shows the exact conditions — rpm, load, temperature, speed — at the moment the fault was detected, which is the best starting point for diagnosis.

What causes P2718?

  • valve body wear
  • internal mechanical wear (clutches, torque converter)
  • low or degraded transmission fluid
  • failed shift or pressure control solenoid

Common symptoms of P2718

  • slipping between gears
  • Check Engine or transmission warning light on
  • shuddering at highway speed
  • no movement in severe cases
  • transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode)
  • harsh or delayed shifting

How to diagnose P2718

  1. Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm P2718 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many P0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the automatic transmission control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Check transmission fluid level and condition — dark, burnt fluid points to internal wear.
  5. Read transmission-specific codes and live data (solenoid states, input/output speed) with a capable scanner.
  6. Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm P2718 does not return.

How to fix P2718

Start with the cheapest and most common causes before replacing expensive parts:

  • Transmission fluid service — $150–$350
  • Transmission rebuild or replacement — $2,500–$5,500
  • Replace a shift solenoid — $300–$800
  • Valve body repair or replacement — $700–$1,500

How much does it cost to fix P2718?

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P2718 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates):

  • Transmission fluid service: $150–$350
  • Transmission rebuild or replacement: $2,500–$5,500
  • Replace a shift solenoid: $300–$800
  • Valve body repair or replacement: $700–$1,500

Overall, fixing P2718 usually costs between $150 and $5,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Can you drive with P2718?

Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

Related OBD2 codes