Faulty fuel temperature sensor, or fuel composition sensor where the two are combined (both sources). Open, shorted or damaged wiring or connectors (both sources). Problem with the engine computer (PCM), or a PCM programming error (both sources). Bad intake air temperature sensor or ambient air temperature sensor (OBD-Codes.com only), since the computer compares fuel temperature against them. The sources differ on the list: OBD-Codes.com adds the intake and ambient air temperature sensors, which RepairPal does not mention.

Repair open, shorted, burnt or damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit (both sources). Replace the fuel temperature sensor, or the fuel composition sensor if it's built in, when testing shows it reads wrong (both sources). Fix a faulty intake or ambient air temperature sensor if testing points to it (OBD-Codes.com). Reprogram or replace the engine computer only after the sensor and wiring test good, for example if no reference voltage comes from the computer (OBD-Codes.com).

P0182⛽ Fuel system / Fuel temperature sensorDrive with caution, fix soon

P0182: Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0182 mean?

P0182 means the engine computer is seeing a lower-than-expected voltage signal from fuel temperature sensor A or its circuit. A faulty fuel temperature sensor and wiring problems are the most common causes. The fuel temperature sensor tells the engine computer how hot the fuel is. OBD-Codes.com says P0182 sets when the computer sees a voltage signal from the fuel temperature sensor or its circuit that is lower than expected, and that the code can also be stored if the fuel temperature is not within a specified range or reads much lower than the outside air temperature. Some vehicles need several failed ignition cycles before the check engine light comes on. RepairPal's explanation is more general: it says the code sets when the computer detects an implausible signal from the fuel temperature sensor, without explaining the low-voltage part of the definition. OBD-Codes.com says the fuel temperature sensors it has worked on were built into the fuel composition (flex-fuel) sensor, mounted in the line between the fuel tank and the fuel rail; on those systems the fuel temperature is sent to the computer as the pulse width of a square-wave signal, typically between 1 and 5 milliseconds, with a wider pulse meaning hotter fuel. Where the sensor sits and how it reports varies by make and model. The A refers to one area of the circuit, if the vehicle has more than one fuel temperature sensor. P0180 is the general sensor A circuit code, P0181 is range/performance, P0183 is circuit high and P0184 is intermittent; P0185 to P0189 cover sensor B. It is a generic OBD-II code, and searches show it is common on Nissan, Ford, Chevy and Toyota vehicles.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0182?

Drive with caution, fix soon. The sources disagree on how serious it is. RepairPal rates P0182 Moderate, meaning it may not threaten safety or drivability right away but should be diagnosed within a reasonable time. OBD-Codes.com says it should be treated as severe because flex-fuel vehicles use fuel temperature to work out fuel delivery. Often there are no obvious symptoms, but don't put off getting it checked, especially on a flex-fuel vehicle.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0182 means

The fuel temperature sensor tells the engine computer how hot the fuel is. OBD-Codes.com says P0182 sets when the computer sees a voltage signal from the fuel temperature sensor or its circuit that is lower than expected, and that the code can also be stored if the fuel temperature is not within a specified range or reads much lower than the outside air temperature. Some vehicles need several failed ignition cycles before the check engine light comes on. RepairPal's explanation is more general: it says the code sets when the computer detects an implausible signal from the fuel temperature sensor, without explaining the low-voltage part of the definition. OBD-Codes.com says the fuel temperature sensors it has worked on were built into the fuel composition (flex-fuel) sensor, mounted in the line between the fuel tank and the fuel rail; on those systems the fuel temperature is sent to the computer as the pulse width of a square-wave signal, typically between 1 and 5 milliseconds, with a wider pulse meaning hotter fuel. Where the sensor sits and how it reports varies by make and model. The A refers to one area of the circuit, if the vehicle has more than one fuel temperature sensor. P0180 is the general sensor A circuit code, P0181 is range/performance, P0183 is circuit high and P0184 is intermittent; P0185 to P0189 cover sensor B. It is a generic OBD-II code, and searches show it is common on Nissan, Ford, Chevy and Toyota vehicles.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

The sources disagree on how serious it is. RepairPal rates P0182 Moderate, meaning it may not threaten safety or drivability right away but should be diagnosed within a reasonable time. OBD-Codes.com says it should be treated as severe because flex-fuel vehicles use fuel temperature to work out fuel delivery. Often there are no obvious symptoms, but don't put off getting it checked, especially on a flex-fuel vehicle.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources; OBD-Codes.com says some vehicles need several failed ignition cycles first)
There may be no obvious symptoms (OBD-Codes.com)
Other fuel composition codes may be stored at the same time (OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Faulty fuel temperature sensor, or fuel composition sensor where the two are combined (both sources)
Open, shorted or damaged wiring or connectors (both sources)
Problem with the engine computer (PCM), or a PCM programming error (both sources)
Bad intake air temperature sensor or ambient air temperature sensor (OBD-Codes.com only), since the computer compares fuel temperature against them
The sources differ on the list: OBD-Codes.com adds the intake and ambient air temperature sensors, which RepairPal does not mention

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data. Note any other fuel temperature, fuel composition or air temperature sensor codes.
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle; OBD-Codes.com says there may be a known fix.
Visually inspect the sensor wiring harness and connector for damaged, burnt or loose wiring, and repair what you find (OBD-Codes.com).
Clear the codes and drive normally. OBD-Codes.com says that if the computer reaches readiness mode the repair worked; if the code comes back, a fault remains.
With a digital multimeter, check for about 5 volts of reference and a good ground at the sensor connector. If the reference is missing there, check the same circuits at the engine computer connector (OBD-Codes.com).
Test the sensor's resistance against the manufacturer's specification. OBD-Codes.com says to disconnect related control modules before checking circuit resistance.

Typical fixes

Repair open, shorted, burnt or damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit (both sources)
Replace the fuel temperature sensor, or the fuel composition sensor if it's built in, when testing shows it reads wrong (both sources)
Fix a faulty intake or ambient air temperature sensor if testing points to it (OBD-Codes.com)
Reprogram or replace the engine computer only after the sensor and wiring test good, for example if no reference voltage comes from the computer (OBD-Codes.com)

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

The sensor is on the fuel line or in the fuel system, where working near fuel needs care
Confirming the sensor's reading needs an oscilloscope and an infrared thermometer, which OBD-Codes.com uses to compare the signal with the actual fuel temperature
No reference voltage is coming from the engine computer, which can point to the computer or its programming
Several temperature sensor codes appear together, suggesting a shared wiring or reference-voltage problem

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is P0182 serious?

The sources disagree. RepairPal rates it Moderate, while OBD-Codes.com says to treat it as severe on flex-fuel vehicles because fuel temperature affects fuel delivery. There are often no symptoms, but get it diagnosed rather than ignoring it.

Is P0182 always a bad fuel temperature sensor?

No. Both sources also list wiring problems and the engine computer, and OBD-Codes.com adds the intake and ambient air temperature sensors. Check the wiring and test the sensor before buying parts.

How much does it cost to fix P0182?

Neither source gives a repair cost. It depends on whether the problem is wiring, the sensor, or something else, and on where the sensor is mounted on your vehicle, so get a diagnosis or a written estimate first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.