P0180: Fuel temperature sensor A circuit has a fault the computer can detect
Fuel temperature sensor A circuit malfunction
Severity: Monitor
The sources list a lit check engine light and, at most, poor economy or hard starting, with no safety warning, so it is usually a check-soon item.
P0180 in short
P0180 means the computer found a fault in the fuel temperature sensor A circuit. Wiring and connector problems such as corrosion, water or damaged harnesses are the usual causes; a failed sensor or computer is rare. You may notice poor fuel economy or hard starting, but often only the light.
The fuel temperature sensor lets the computer adjust fueling for how warm or cold the fuel is. P0180 is a general circuit fault on sensor A rather than a specific high or low reading.
TroubleCodes.net says the fault is in the control circuit rather than the sensor itself. It points to broken wiring, corrosion, water entry and damaged harnesses first, with a failed sensor or engine computer rare.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Broken, corroded or wet wiring in the sensor circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists broken wiring, corrosion, water entry and damaged harnesses first.
- What would change this
- Rises if a harness shake test makes the fault come and go. Falls if the wiring tests normal.
Cause 2: Loose or corroded connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists loose or corroded connections, and tells you to check the sensor connector for bent pins and water damage.
- What would change this
- Rises if pins are bent, green or wet. Falls if the connector is clean and seated.
Cause 3: Failed fuel temperature sensor or engine computer
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net calls a faulty sensor or computer rare, so it ranks below the wiring causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor resistance is outside specification while the wiring is good. Falls if wiring faults are found.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool and note any other fuel or sensor codes.
IfThis is the only code and the car drives normally
It meansMove on to checking the circuit.
Step 2: Have the sensor connector checked for bent pins, corrosion and water, and have the circuit tested with the ignition on for a 5-volt reference and a signal voltage, then the sensor resistance compared with specification.
Warning:On many cars the sensor is in or near the fuel system, so working on it risks fuel leaks and fire; leave it to a shop.
IfThe wiring is good but the sensor resistance is out of specification
It meansThe sensor is the likely fault.
Points to: Failed fuel temperature sensor or engine computer
IfThe wiring or connector shows damage, corrosion or an intermittent fault
It meansRepair the wiring or connector.
Points to: Broken, corroded or wet wiring in the sensor circuit
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Poor fuel economy, which TroubleCodes.net lists
- Hard starting or reduced performance, which TroubleCodes.net lists as possible
How to fix
Step 1: Tell the shop whether the car has been hard to start or using more fuel.
On your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P0180 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0180 yet.
Sources and review
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error