P0181 Fuel temperature sensor A signal is out of the range the computer expects

Fuel temperature sensor A circuit range/performance

Monitor

Nissan's 2022-2026 bulletin covers a light with P0181 and no drivability concern, and TroubleCodes.net says you may notice nothing beyond the light, so it is usually a check-soon item.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the car loses power, shows a reduced-power message, or is hard to start. Nissan limits its fuel temperature sensor bulletin to cars without these concerns, and a 2018 Rogue owner reports a loss of power with this code.

Source: how we rate severity

P0181 in short

P0181 means the computer sees the fuel temperature sensor signal outside the expected range. Wiring faults at the sensor, often in the fuel pump assembly, are a common cause, and Nissan has bulletins on both wiring and sensor replacement. It is often safe to drive, but get it checked if the car loses power.

Fuel gets thicker or thinner as it warms or cools, so on engines with a fuel temperature sensor the computer uses it to refine how much fuel to inject. If the sensor reading does not make sense, it sets P0181 and turns on the light.

The sensor is often part of the fuel pump assembly in the tank, or it sits on the fuel rail or fuel pressure sensor. TroubleCodes.net says wiring problems such as water entry, corrosion and harness damage are the most common cause, and that you might only notice the light.

Makers differ. Nissan has bulletins that inspect and reroute the fuel pump wiring on the Rogue, and replace the fuel temperature sensor on newer Rogue, Kicks and Murano. Ford says the code can set during a self-test on cold fuel and tells dealers not to replace the sensor or the computer without a root cause.

Most likely causes

  1. Wiring fault in the fuel temperature sensor circuit

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net names wiring faults as the biggest problem, and Nissan's bulletin for 2015-2020 Rogue is to inspect and reroute the fuel pump assembly wiring.
    What would change this
    Rises if the wiring at the fuel pump assembly or connector is chafed, corroded or wet, or the code comes and goes with movement. Falls if the circuit tests normal end to end.
    How to test the fuel pump

  2. Failed fuel temperature sensor (some models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan's 2022-2026 bulletin for the Kicks, Murano and Rogue replaces the fuel temperature sensor when P0181 is stored. Owner complaints on the Rogue also name the fuel temperature sensor.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor resistance is out of specification compared with the service data or the scan tool fuel temperature reading is stuck or absurd. Falls if the reading follows fuel temperature and the wiring is damaged.

  3. Code set during a self-test with cold fuel (Ford 2018 models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford's bulletin on the 2018 Mustang and F-150 says the code may set if the key-on engine-running routine is performed with fuel below about 50 F (10 C).
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared only after a dealer or shop self-test in cold weather. Falls if it sets during normal driving.

  4. Engine computer software update (some models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford's bulletin for 6.7L engines and FCA's bulletin for 2015 ProMaster 3.0L reprogram the computer for light-on cases that include P0181.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds an open update for your VIN. Falls if the software is already current.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data. Note any other codes, and whether the engine has lost power or been hard to start.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin or software update for P0181. Nissan, Ford, FCA and GM have all issued bulletins that name it.

    Low risk

  3. Have the wiring and connector at the fuel temperature sensor tested with the wiring diagram, and compare the sensor reading to fuel temperature on a scan tool.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with live data, digital multimeter

    Warning:On many cars the sensor is in the fuel tank with the pump, so reaching it means opening the fuel system. That risks fuel spills and fire; leave it to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on, often with no change in how the car drives
  • Hard starting or poor fuel economy, which TroubleCodes.net lists
  • Loss of power or a reduced-power message Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open bulletin or software update for P0181.

  2. Note whether the code returns after a normal drive, or only after a cold-weather self-test, and tell the shop.

Parts and cost context

  • Fuel pump:On some cars the fuel temperature sensor is part of the fuel pump assembly or the wiring to it, so the repair can mean opening the fuel tank. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2015–2020 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan bulletin NTB20-094 has the fuel pump assembly wiring inspected and rerouted for P0181 on 2015-2020 Rogue. 2018 and 2019 Rogue owners report P0181 with a fuel sensor or fuel temperature sensor. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2022–2026 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan bulletin NTB26-019 replaces the fuel temperature sensor when P0181 is stored and there is no drivability concern. It also covers Kicks and Murano.

  • 2010 · Pathfinder

    Possible — needs testing

    A 2010 Pathfinder owner reports a light on with P0181, which they describe as a fuel system issue. No bulletin was found for this model.

  • NTB20-094Status unverified

    MIL on with P0181 and/or P0183

    2015–2020rogue · NHTSA 10185472

    Remove the fuel pump assembly, inspect its wiring and reroute it if applicable, then reinstall.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB26-019Status unverified

    MIL on with P0181 stored in the ECM

    2022–2026kicks, murano, rogue · NHTSA 11031721

    For a light with no drivability concern, replace the fuel temperature sensor and erase the codes.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2018 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 47099 says P0181 may set when the self-test runs on cold fuel on the 2018 F-150 and Mustang, and not to replace the sensor or PCM without a root cause.

  • 2011–2013 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 12-5-12 reflashes the PCM and TCM on 6.7L Super Duty trucks that may show P0181.

  • SSM 47099Status unverified

    MIL on with P0181 on 2018 Mustang and F-150

    2018f-150, mustang · NHTSA 10136610

    P0181 may set if the key-on engine-running test is run with fuel below about 50 F (10 C). Use the pinpoint test; do not replace the sensor or PCM without a cause.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB-12-5-12Status unverified

    PCM and TCM reflash for 6.7L engines that may set P0181

    2011–2013f-250-super-duty · NHTSA 10044539

    Reprograms the PCM and TCM on 6.7L diesel Super Duty trucks.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ram

  • 2015 · ProMaster 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA bulletin 18-038-15 reprograms the PCM on the 2015 ProMaster 3.0L for a light with listed codes that include P0181.

  • 18-038-15 REV-BStatus unverified

    3.0L powertrain diagnostic and system enhancements

    2015promaster-1500 · NHTSA 10151753

    Reprograms the PCM for a light that may come with codes including P0181.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2016 · Colorado

    Possible — needs testing

    GM PIP5471 says to follow published diagnostics for P0181 and that engineering is working on a correction; the summary gives no repair.

  • PIP5471 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Check engine light with P0181

    2016colorado · NHTSA 10113402

    Technician follows published diagnostics first; GM says engineering is working on a correction. The summary gives no repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P0181 yet.

All Fuel pump and injectors codes

P0181 questions

Where is the fuel temperature sensor?

It varies. TroubleCodes.net says it may be in the tank as part of the fuel sender or elsewhere in the fuel system before the injectors, and Nissan's Rogue bulletin points to the fuel pump assembly wiring. Check your service information.

Should I replace the sensor?

Not first. Wiring problems are the most common cause, and Ford tells dealers not to replace the sensor or computer for P0181 without a root cause.

Sources and review

  1. Nissan NTB26-019: MIL on with P0181 stored in the ECM (2022-2026 Kicks, Murano, Rogue) — Nissan North America
  2. P0181 fuel temperature sensor A range/performance problem — TroubleCodes.net
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11389655, 2018 Nissan Rogue: lost power with P0181 read at a parts store as a fuel sensor — NHTSA
  4. Nissan NTB20-094: MIL on with P0181 and/or P0183 (2015-2020 Rogue) — Nissan North America
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11429398, 2019 Nissan Rogue: P0181 read as a fuel temperature sensor problem — NHTSA
  6. Ford SSM 47099: MIL on with P0181 on 2018 Mustang and F-150 — Ford Motor Company
  7. Ford TSB 12-5-12: PCM and TCM reflash for 6.7L engines that may show P0181 — Ford Motor Company
  8. FCA 18-038-15 Rev B: 3.0L powertrain diagnostic and system enhancements (2015 ProMaster) — FCA US LLC
  9. GM PIP5471: check engine light with P0181 (2016 Colorado) — General Motors
  10. NHTSA complaint ODI 11309641, 2010 Nissan Pathfinder: light on with P0181 described as a fuel system issue — NHTSA
  11. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
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Written by
Saurabh K.
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