P0182
Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
If your code reader dashboard displays the generic DTC error code P0182, your vehicle is currently experiencing an active failure related to "Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low". Proper system troubleshooting is required to safely clear this warning.
Driver's Summary
A P0182 fault code points directly to a problem with fuel temperature sensor a circuit low that the ECM has confirmed over multiple drive cycles. You may notice check engine light, poor fuel economy, rich running condition, all of which are direct consequences of this malfunction. No immediate danger, but addressing this soon will prevent potential emissions test failures and minor system degradation.
Symptoms
Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rich running condition
Common Causes
- Short to ground in the fuel temp sensor circuit
- Failed fuel temp sensor (internally shorted)
- Pinched wiring near the fuel tank
- Bad PCM
How to Fix
- 1 Trace and repair short to ground
- 2 Replace fuel temperature sensor
- 3 Reroute pinched wiring
- 4 Replace Engine Control Module
Technical Explanation
To set P0182, the PCM samples the affected circuit multiple times per second, comparing live readings against manufacturer-programmed operating windows. Sensor output is cross-validated against complementary sensor data (such as MAF vs. MAP correlation, or upstream vs. downstream O2 comparison) to confirm the fault is genuine and not a result of a sensor reading an actual engine condition. After two failed drive cycles, the code transitions from a pending to a confirmed DTC, and the PCM activates the MIL. Clearing the code without repairing the fault will result in re-illumination within one to two complete drive cycles.
Is It Safe to Drive?
This code won't strand you, but it shouldn't be ignored indefinitely. The short to ground in the fuel temp sensor circuit issue identified by P0182 can mask other developing problems and will cause an automatic emissions test failure in most states.
Mechanic's Pro Tip
Before replacing any component on P0182, spend 5 minutes inspecting the wiring harness and connector first — corrosion, chafed insulation, and backed-out pins cause the majority of these faults and cost nothing to fix. Use a multimeter to measure voltage drop across the connector pins under load; anything above 0.1V indicates excessive resistance that will cause intermittent failures even after replacing the sensor.
Related Fault Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OBD2 code P0182 mean?
OBD2 code P0182 refers to Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low. If your code reader dashboard displays the generic DTC error code P0182, your vehicle is currently experiencing an active failure related to "Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low". Proper system troubleshooting is required to safely clear this warning.
What are the most common symptoms of DTC P0182?
Drivers experiencing code P0182 typically report: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rich running condition.
Is it safe to drive with trouble code P0182 active?
This code won't strand you, but it shouldn't be ignored indefinitely. The short to ground in the fuel temp sensor circuit issue identified by P0182 can mask other developing problems and will cause an automatic emissions test failure in most states.
How much does it cost to fix code P0182?
The estimated repair cost for P0182 ranges from $100 to $350 USD. Sensor replacement: $100 - $300; Wiring repair: $100 - $150
Sensor replacement: $100 - $300; Wiring repair: $100 - $150
Need Professional Diagnostic Assistance?
Always verify sensor signals and wiring integrity with an OBD2 scanner before purchasing replacement parts.
Explore All Powertrain Codes →