Code
P0182
MITSUBISHI
P — Powertrain
Fuel temperature sensor low
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
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
- Connect a capable scan tool. Read P0182 and any related codes. Record fuel temperature live data and freeze-frame parameters.
- Confirm the code is current (not pending). Attempt a key-on engine-off (KOEO) monitoring of the sensor value — note idle/KOEO voltage.
- Visually inspect the fuel pump module access, connector and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, loose pins or water ingress.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Check reference power/ground circuits for the sensor at the connector and at the ECM. Repair poor grounds or supply faults.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Repair manuals
Manual library for MITSUBISHI
406
Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
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MITSUBISHI: 2024
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- Ralliart
- SE, AWD
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- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
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- SEL Black Edition, AWD
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MITSUBISHI: 2022
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- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
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- LE, AWD
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- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
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- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
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MITSUBISHI: 2021
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MITSUBISHI: 2020
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