P0182 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low Input

P0182 code definition

Fuel Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Low Input

What the P0182 code means

P0182 is a generic OBD-II code indicating that the fuel temperature sensor 'A' circuit voltage fell below calibrated limit specifications during the self test.

What causes the P0182 code?

• The engine control module (ECM) detects sensor circuit voltage below the specified range designed for the sensor when it is tested during startup or during operation

• Intermittent shorted wiring or connections to the ECM

• The fuel tank or fuel rail temperature sensor could be out of sensor range if the connector is contaminated, causing a short

• Defective ECM or sensor

• Exhaust leaks near a fuel line can cause the fuel temperature to exceed the sensor range; this could be a fire hazard

What are the symptoms of the P0182 code?

• The vehicle will not start, or may lose power and stall if the fuel gets too hot and boils off

• Excessive additives in the fuel could cause the fuel to boil off at lower temperatures, resulting in erratic sensor readings

• The ECM sets code P0182 to memory and turns on the Check Engine Light

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0182 code?

• Scans codes and documents the freeze frame data, then clears the codes to verify code returns

• Does a visual check of all the wiring and connections to the sensor, checking for breaks in the wiring or loose connections

• Disconnects connection to the sensor and checks to see if the sensor is testing within specifications

• Takes a fuel sample to compare the fuel temperature to the sensor input

• Tests the diesel fuel heater for proper operation to make sure it is working to heat the fuel without overheating the fuel

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0182 code

Follow these simple guidelines to prevent misdiagnosis:

• Do a visual check of connections to the sensor to make sure that the harness is not shorted, and that the connector is not fuel contaminated, which causes shorts

• Check the fuel for excessive additives that can cause sensors to malfunction

• If the vehicle has a bad exhaust leak, check to make sure that it is not heating up the fuel lines

How serious is the P0182 code?

• If an exhaust leak is heating up the fuel lines, it may pose a fire hazard

• The engine may misfire, hesitate and stall if the fuel temperature exceeds normal operating temperatures due to the fuel rail getting too hot

• The ECM may alter the fuel pressure or fuel injection on some vehicles if the P0182 code is present

What repairs can fix the P0182 code?

• Testing the fuel temperature sensor and replacing it if it is out of specifications
• Repairing or replacing a defective connector or wiring to the sensor
• Replacing a defective ECM
• Repairing an exhaust leak onto the fuel line
• Replacing the diesel fuel heater assembly with the temperature sensor

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0182 code

The code P0182 may be used on diesel engines with fuel heaters, and on gasoline engines to monitor the fuel temperature in the fuel tank or at the fuel rail. Follow the manufacturer's recommended testing procedures for the vehicle and type of fuel you are working on. Not all temperature sensors are located and tested the same.

Need help with a P0182 code?

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