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DTC codes / P01xx · Fuel and air metering / P0182

P0182Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low Input

P0182 means the engine computer (PCM) has detected a voltage signal from the fuel temperature sensor circuit that is lower than the expected range for the current operating conditions. The sensor is a thermistor that changes resistance with temperature, and a low voltage usually indicates a short to ground or an open circuit on the signal wire.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illuminated check engine light (malfunction indicator lamp) on the dashboard
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially in mild weather
  • Rough idle or hesitation when the engine is cold, due to incorrect fuel enrichment
  • Slightly increased fuel consumption or poor fuel economy
  • Hard starting or extended cranking in cold ambient temperatures
  • In rare cases, a no-start condition if the PCM misreads fuel temperature as extremely cold or hot

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty fuel temperature sensor (internal short or open circuit)
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring harness between the sensor and the PCM, especially at connectors
  3. Short to ground on the signal wire from the sensor to the PCM
  4. Loose or corroded sensor connector terminals causing high resistance
  5. Failed PCM driver or internal circuit for the fuel temperature sensor input (rare)
  6. Aftermarket or incorrect sensor installed that does not match the vehicle's calibration
  7. Fuel temperature sensor contaminated by fuel additives or debris, altering its resistance

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Use an OBD-II scan tool to confirm P0182 is active and check freeze-frame data for fuel temperature and intake air temperature readings.
  2. Visually inspect the fuel temperature sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins; repair as needed.
  3. Measure the sensor's resistance with a multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's temperature-resistance chart; replace the sensor if out of specification.
  4. Check for a short to ground on the signal wire by disconnecting both ends and measuring resistance to chassis ground; repair the harness if a short is found.
  5. Verify reference voltage (typically 5 volts) at the sensor connector with the key on, engine off; if missing, trace the circuit back to the PCM.
  6. If wiring and sensor test good, perform a wiggle test on the harness while monitoring live data to catch intermittent faults.
  7. Clear the diagnostic trouble code and road-test the vehicle to confirm the repair and ensure the code does not return.

Fuel temperature sensor circuit low input pitfalls

  • A low input code often results from a short to ground on the signal wire rather than a failed sensor, so always check the harness before replacing parts.
  • Some vehicles share the fuel temperature sensor signal with the fuel composition sensor on flex-fuel models, and a fault in either can set P0182.
  • The fuel temperature sensor is sometimes integrated into the fuel tank pressure sensor or fuel pump module, making replacement more involved than a stand-alone sensor.
  • Incorrect fuel temperature readings can cause the PCM to alter fuel injector pulse width, leading to driveability complaints that mimic ignition or fuel pump issues.
  • A poor ground connection at the sensor body or engine block can create a low voltage signal that sets P0182 without any visible wiring damage.

Can I keep driving with P0182?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive with P0182 because the fault mainly affects cold-start fuel enrichment and minor fuel economy. Avoid extended driving in very cold weather until repaired, as hard starting or rough running may occur, and have the circuit checked soon to prevent secondary codes.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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