What Does P0182 Mean?
The fuel temperature sensor A circuit is reporting a low input voltage to the ECM, which typically corresponds to an implausibly high fuel temperature reading (since most fuel temp sensors are NTC thermistors where low resistance means high temperature). The ECM has determined this voltage is below the minimum valid threshold. This may be caused by a sensor short, wiring issue, or genuinely overheated fuel.
Common Causes
35%
Shorted fuel temperature sensor (low resistance indicating false high temperature)
25%
Signal wire shorted to ground in the wiring harness
20%
Corroded or water-damaged connector causing low-resistance path to ground
10%
Genuinely overheated fuel from restricted return line or proximity to exhaust
10%
ECM internal pull-down fault on the sensor input circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check fuel temperature reading in live data. If it shows an implausibly high temperature (e.g., 250°F+) on a cold start, the sensor or circuit is shorted.
2
Disconnect the sensor and check if the reading goes to maximum (very cold or -40°F). If it does, the sensor itself was causing the short. If it stays low, the wiring has a short to ground.
3
Measure sensor resistance with an ohmmeter. At room temperature (~68°F/20°C), a typical NTC fuel temp sensor reads 2,000–3,000 ohms. A reading near 0 ohms confirms an internal short.
4
Inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the ECM for chafing, crushed insulation, or areas where the wire touches a ground point (frame, bracket, etc.).
5
If the sensor and wiring are good, use an infrared thermometer to measure actual fuel temperature at the rail and compare to the sensor reading to rule out genuinely overheated fuel.
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $250
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The fuel temperature sensor A circuit is reporting a low input voltage to the ECM, which typically corresponds to an implausibly high fuel temperature reading (since most fuel temp sensors are NTC thermistors where low resistance means high temperature). The ECM has determined this voltage is below ...
The most common cause of P0182 (Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance) is: Shorted fuel temperature sensor (low resistance indicating false high temperature)
Typical repair costs for P0182 range from $75 to $250, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to drive in most cases. If the fuel is genuinely overheated, there is a risk of vapor lock and reduced performance. If it is a sensor/wiring fault only, the ECM will default the value and driveability will be minimally affected.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0182 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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