Code
P0182
Generic
P — Powertrain
Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Short to ground in the fuel temperature sensor signal wire
- Faulty fuel temperature sensor (thermistor open/shorted internally)
- Corroded, damaged or poorly seated connector at sensor or ECM
- Damaged wiring (chafing, pinched, broken conductors)
- Poor or missing ground/return path for the sensor circuit
- Rare: ECU/PCM internal input fault
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL/CEL) illuminated
- Possible rough idle, cold-start drivability issues or hard start
- Altered fuel trims or reduced fuel economy
- Increased emissions or failed emissions readiness
- Often no obvious driveability symptom other than the code
What to check
- Read and record freeze-frame and any related codes (fuel system, temp sensors)
- Visual inspection of sensor, connector, wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or fuel/water intrusion
- Backprobe sensor signal connector and check voltage with key on/engine off
- Measure sensor resistance (unplugged) at known ambient temperature and compare to spec
- Check continuity between signal pin and ECU; check for short to ground
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent faults
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor type: thermistor (NTC) producing a resistance value that varies with temperature
- Normal operating signal (depending on vehicle): commonly in the ~0.5–4.5 V range under typical temps
- Circuit low indicative values: signal near 0.0–0.2 V or constant ~0 V (short to ground)
- Typical resistances (very manufacturer dependent): often in the low kilohm range at 20°C (e.g., ~1–10 kΩ); consult OE spec
- Expected behavior: resistance decreases as fuel temperature increases (NTC); voltage behavior depends on ECU pull-up/pull-down
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve codes and freeze-frame data. Note operating conditions when code set.
- Perform visual inspection of sensor, connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, or fuel/water contamination.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor signal wire and measure voltage. A near-0 V reading suggests a low/short condition.
- Unplug the sensor and measure resistance across sensor terminals at ambient temperature. Compare to manufacturer specification. If resistance is abnormally low/short, replace the sensor.
- With connector unplugged, check for continuity between the sensor signal wire and chassis ground. A short to ground indicates wiring fault—repair wiring/harness.
- Check continuity from sensor signal pin back to the ECM connector. Repair any opens, shorts, or high resistance connections. Repair corroded terminals or damaged insulation.
- Reconnect and perform a wiggle test while monitoring signal to find intermittent faults.
- Verify ECM reference voltage and ground circuits if wiring and sensor check good. If ECM inputs show abnormal behavior, consider ECU diagnostics/repair.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test/road test and confirm code does not return. Re-scan for pending or related codes.
Likely causes
- Wiring shorted to ground between sensor and module
- Failed/shorted fuel temperature sensor
- Corroded connector or water intrusion at the sensor
- Connector pins pushed out/bent or poor terminal contact
- ECM input fault (least likely)
Fault status
Status
Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low — sensor signal voltage below expected range (possible short to ground or sensor failure).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2 hours
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