Home / DTC / P0182 — Fuel temperature sensor low

P0182 — Fuel temperature sensor low

Detailed page for trouble code P0182.

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Code

P0182

MITSUBISHI P — Powertrain

Fuel temperature sensor low

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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Short to ground in fuel temperature sensor wiring
  • Open or shorted sensor element (in-tank fuel temperature sensor)
  • Corroded/loose connector at sensor or pump module
  • Poor ground or power supply fault to sensor circuit
  • Faulty ECM input or internal short
  • Intermittent wiring damage from chafing or rodent damage

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Possible poor fuel economy or altered fuel trims
  • Hard starting or rough idle in some conditions
  • Increased emissions or failed emissions test
  • Stored freeze-frame data showing low fuel temp reading

What to check

  • Read and record freeze-frame and live data for fuel temperature using a scan tool
  • Verify code is current and whether other related codes (fuel pressure, temp sensors) are present
  • Visually inspect wiring and connector at fuel pump module and along harness for damage, corrosion or pinching
  • Backprobe sensor connector with key ON and measure signal voltage and ground reference at connector
  • Measure sensor resistance with sensor removed and at known temperatures, compare to OEM spec
  • Perform wiggle test while monitoring live data to check for intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Sensor type: typically an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient) — resistance falls as fuel temperature rises
  • Expected sensor circuit voltage range: approximately 0.1–4.9 V (varies by model; mid-temperature around ~2.5 V) — consult OEM spec for exact values
  • Expected resistance characteristics: high resistance at low temp, low resistance at high temp — compare measured ohms to OEM temperature/resistance chart
  • A 'low' circuit DTC usually indicates abnormally low voltage (near 0 V) or a short to ground on the signal line

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a capable scan tool. Read P0182 and any related codes. Record fuel temperature live data and freeze-frame parameters.
  2. Confirm the code is current (not pending). Attempt a key-on engine-off (KOEO) monitoring of the sensor value — note idle/KOEO voltage.
  3. Visually inspect the fuel pump module access, connector and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, loose pins or water ingress.
  4. With ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe the sensor signal wire and measure voltage to ground. A very low voltage (near 0 V) suggests short to ground or failed sensor.
  5. Disconnect the sensor connector and measure resistance of the sensor element across its terminals. Compare to OEM resistance vs. temperature chart. Replace sensor if out of spec.
  6. If sensor resistance is OK, check continuity from the sensor connector signal pin to the ECM input pin and verify there is no short to chassis ground. Repair any damaged wiring.
  7. Check reference power/ground circuits for the sensor at the connector and at the ECM. Repair poor grounds or supply faults.
  8. If wiring and sensor check good but low signal persists, test the ECM input (consult service manual for ECM bench tests) — replace ECM only after wiring and sensor verified.
  9. After repairs, clear codes, perform key cycles and a road test while monitoring live data to confirm normal sensor readings and that P0182 does not return.
  10. Safety note: when accessing in-tank components, follow manufacturer procedures: relieve fuel pressure, work in a well-ventilated area, disconnect battery where required, and avoid open flames.

Likely causes

  • In-tank fuel temperature sensor failure (often integrated with fuel pump module)
  • Pin pushed out or corroded connector at fuel pump module
  • Wiring harness rubbed through and contacting body/chassis (short to ground)
  • Connector moisture intrusion at top of tank or in access panel
  • Blown or shorted reference/power feed from ECM to sensor

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Fuel Temperature Sensor Circuit Low — ECM detects abnormally low voltage on fuel temperature sensor input (possible short to ground, open/failed sensor, or wiring/connectivity fault).
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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