P0182: Fuel temperature sensor A signal is lower than the computer expects
Fuel temperature sensor A circuit low input
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.
P0182 in short
P0182 means the computer sees a low voltage from the fuel temperature sensor A circuit, which reads as unusually hot fuel. A wiring short to ground or open circuit, corroded connectors or a failed sensor are the usual causes. You may notice only the light, or poor fuel economy and hard starting.
The fuel temperature sensor lets the computer adjust fueling for how warm or cold the fuel is. A low signal voltage looks to the computer like higher than normal fuel temperature, and when it falls below the calibrated limit the computer sets P0182.
TroubleCodes.net lists wiring shorts to ground or open circuits, water and corrosion in connectors, a damaged harness, a faulty sensor and, rarely, the engine computer.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Wiring short to ground, open circuit or damaged harness
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists a short to ground, open circuits and a damaged harness first.
- What would change this
- Rises if flexing the harness changes the reading or the signal wire reads shorted to ground. Falls if the wiring tests normal.
Cause 2: Water or corrosion in the connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists water intrusion and corrosion in connectors.
- What would change this
- Rises if pins are bent, green or wet. Falls if the connector is clean.
Cause 3: Failed fuel temperature sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists a faulty sensor; it ranks below the wiring because wiring faults are the first items listed.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor resistance does not match the manufacturer chart 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 connector checked for bent pins and corrosion, the 5-volt reference confirmed at the sensor, the wiring tested for a short or open circuit while flexing the harness, and the sensor resistance compared with the manufacturer chart.
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.
IfThe wiring shows a short, open circuit or intermittent fault
It meansRepair the wiring or connector.
Points to: Wiring short to ground, open circuit or damaged harness
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 P0182 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0182 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