P0183: The engine computer sees a signal from fuel temperature sensor A that is higher than its limit, which reads as fuel colder than is realistic.

Fuel temperature sensor A signal too high

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources describe the code and its causes but do not say how urgent it is. The usual symptoms are a check engine light and some loss of fuel economy, so have it read and checked rather than ignored.

Source: how we rate severity

P0183 in short

P0183 means the engine computer is getting a voltage from fuel temperature sensor A that is higher than expected, which it reads as unusually cold fuel. The usual causes are an open or shorted wire, a corroded connector or a failed sensor. The car often drives normally, but fuel economy and starting can suffer.

The computer uses the fuel temperature reading to judge how dense the fuel is and adjust how much it injects. A signal above the calibrated limit sets P0183.

High input usually means an open circuit, a short to power, a bad connector or a failed sensor. TroubleCodes.net also suggests testing the charging system, since excess alternator voltage can push signals high.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Cause 1: Wiring or connector fault (open or short)

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The code says the signal is above the limit, which an open circuit or short to power in the wiring or a corroded connector produces directly.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector is corroded or the reading jumps when the harness is moved. Falls if wiring and connectors test normal.
  2. Cause 2: Failed temperature sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the sensor itself as a possible cause, though less common than the wiring.
    What would change this
    Rises if the circuit tests good and the sensor resistance is outside the manual figures. Falls if the resistance is correct.
  3. Cause 3: Engine computer fault (rare)

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the computer as a rare cause, often after water or collision damage.
    What would change this
    Rises only after wiring and sensor test good. Falls if either is faulty.
    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. Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data and note any other temperature sensor codes.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfOther codes are stored with it

      It meansSort out the other codes first, since a shared wiring or power fault can set several.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP0183 is the only code

      It meansMove on to the connector and wiring checks.

      Go to step 2

  2. Step 2: Check the fuel temperature sensor connector and ECM connector for bent pins, corrosion or water, and flex the harness while watching the sensor reading.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, multimeter

    Warning:Back-probing live connectors can short pins and damage the computer. Turn the ignition off and follow a wiring diagram.

  3. Step 3: Check for 5 volts reference at the sensor and compare sensor resistance with the repair manual figures.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter

    Warning:Fuel temperature sensors can sit in or near the fuel system. Keep sparks and open flame away and do not disconnect fuel lines.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Poorer fuel economy
  • Hard starting or reduced performance, in some cases

How to fix

  1. Step 1: With the ignition off, look at the visible wiring and connector for the sensor for damage or corrosion.

  2. Step 2: Ask a dealer or shop to check the circuit before buying a sensor for P0183.

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2015–2020 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA flat-file summary of Nissan bulletin NTB20-094 (summary: 2015-2020 Rogue vehicles with a lit MIL and P0181 and/or P0183 stored; the steps include removing the fuel pump assembly and inspecting and rerouting its wiring). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • NTB20-094Status unverified

    Rogue MIL with P0181 and/or P0183

    2015–2020rogue · issued · NHTSA 10185472

    NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions 2015-2020 Rogue vehicles with a lit MIL and P0181 and/or P0183 stored; the steps include removing the fuel pump assembly and inspecting and rerouting its wiring.

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

No curated relationships for P0183 yet.

All Fuel pump and injectors codes

P0183 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0183?

The sources list a check engine light and poorer fuel economy as the usual signs, but they do not rate urgency. Have it read and checked soon.

Sources and review

  1. P0183 - Fuel temperature sensor A circuit high input — TroubleCodes.net
  2. NTB20-094: Rogue MIL with P0181 and/or P0183 — Nissan
  3. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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