P0182
Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
If your vehicle's onboard computer has flagged the diagnostic trouble code P0182, it refers to a detected anomaly regarding "Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low". This systemic engine fault needs a targeted check before symptoms expand.
Driver's Summary
Code P0182 means your vehicle detected a problem with the fuel temperature sensor a circuit low system. On the road, this usually shows up as check engine light, poor fuel economy, rich running condition. 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
The PCM triggers P0182 after its internal monitoring routine detects that a specific circuit or sensor has exceeded its acceptable operating range. The module measures the voltage return on the 5V reference circuit, comparing it to the expected signal envelope at current engine load and RPM. A deviation greater than the calibrated threshold — typically ±10% outside the normal operating window — flags the fault. Once confirmed, the code is stored as a permanent DTC and the MIL is activated. The freeze frame snapshot — recording RPM, load, coolant temperature, and fuel trim at fault detection — is also saved and is critical for accurate diagnosis.
Is It Safe to Drive?
Low-severity fault — you'll notice check engine light, poor fuel economy, rich running condition but the vehicle remains drivable. The risk of ignoring it long-term is a failed smog test and the possibility that a minor $100 fix becomes more complex over time.
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.
Sensor replacement: 100 - 300; Wiring repair: 100 - 150