Code
P0182
GWM
P — Powertrain
- Low Temperature Sensor A Temperature
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or failed temperature sensor
- Short to ground in sensor signal wire
- Open or corroded connector or poor terminal contact
- Wiring harness chafing or pinched cable
- Poor grounding or reference voltage from ECU/module
- Faulty engine control module (less common)
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
- Reduced engine performance or altered fuel trim
- Hard starting or poor idle (if sensor affects fuel control)
- Possible issues with emission control functions or regeneration
- Stored freeze-frame data showing low reported temperature
What to check
- Read and record freeze-frame and live data for the temperature sensor
- Scan for additional related codes (sensor circuit, grounding, or power reference codes)
- Visual inspection of sensor, connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, or disconnection
- Backprobe the sensor connector to verify signal voltage and reference voltage with a DVOM or scope
- Measure sensor resistance at ambient temperature and compare to specification
- Perform wiggle test on harness while monitoring live data for intermittent faults
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor circuit uses an ECU reference (usually 5V or other) and a variable-resistance thermistor — expect a measurable signal voltage between ~0–5 V (consult service manual for exact range)
- Fault condition usually shows sensor signal voltage lower than expected (signal near 0 V) or out-of-range low reading in live data
- Thermistor behavior: resistance changes with temperature (consult vehicle-specific chart for exact ohms vs. °C)
- Reference voltage and ground must be present at connector; no reference or missing ground indicates harness/ECU fault
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool, record codes, freeze-frame, and monitor live sensor data while key ON and engine running if safe.
- Visually inspect the sensor, connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, or water intrusion; repair as needed.
- With connector disconnected, measure sensor resistance at ambient temp and compare to OEM specification. If out of spec, replace sensor.
- Backprobe the harness with key ON and measure: reference voltage from ECU, signal voltage, and ground continuity. Verify reference is within spec.
- If signal is low and reference is present, check for short to ground on the signal wire (isolate and measure continuity to ground).
- Perform wiggle/stress tests on wiring while watching live data to find intermittent faults.
- If wiring and sensor test good, test or inspect ECU power/ground pins and replace/repair ECU only after confirming all other possibilities.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive to confirm the code does not return.
Likely causes
- Failed temperature sensor
- Connector corrosion or loose connector pins
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Wiring harness damage between sensor and ECU
Fault status
Status
Control module detected a low or out-of-range signal from Temperature Sensor A circuit. Inspect sensor, wiring/connectors, and ECU reference/ground. Repair or replace faulty components and confirm code clears.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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