P0183 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input

P0183 code definition

Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input

What the P0183 code means

P0183 is a generic OBD-II code indicating that the fuel temperature sensor A circuit voltage went above calibrated limit specifications during the self test.

What causes the P0183 code?

• The Engine Control Module (ECM) detects sensor circuit voltage above the specified range designed for the sensor when it is tested during startup, or during operation

• Intermittent open circuit in wiring, connections, ECM or sensor faults

• The fuel tank or fuel rail temperature sensor is going out of range, due to the connector being contaminated, causing an intermittent open in the circuit connection

• The ECM is defective or has an intermittent open circuit

• If the fuel goes below the temperature sensor’s range due to a fault, or the ambient temperature goes below -40 degrees F

What are the symptoms of the P0183 code?

• If the fuel gets too cold, the vehicle may not start due to fuel volatility
• Excessive additives in the fuel can cause erratic engine operation or stalling and hesitations
• The ECM sets code P0183 to memory and turns on the Check Engine Light

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0183 code?

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

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

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

• Takes a fuel sample to compare the temperature of fuel 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 P0183 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, causing shorts

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

How serious is the P0183 code?

• The engine may misfire, hesitate and stall if the fuel temperature drops below normal operating temperatures due to the outside temperature

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

What repairs can fix the P0183 code?

• Replacing the fuel temperature sensor if it tests out of specifications
• Repairing or replacing a defective connector or wiring to the sensor
• Replacing a defective ECM
• Replacing the diesel fuel heater assembly with the temperature sensor

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0183 code

The code P0183 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. The code is also used on some natural gas vehicles. The manufacturer's recommended testing procedures should be followed 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 P0183 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.