Can you keep driving?
Can you keep driving?
Stop driving if any of these apply
- !The engine starts stalling, losing power sharply, or refusing to start reliably.
- !The check-engine light flashes or the vehicle runs extremely rough after the code appears.
What to check first
Step-by-step checks
- 1
Free - no tools
Inspect the sensor connector and harness for corrosion, moisture, or damaged wiring
- 2
Free - no tools
Check whether the code appeared after refueling or after any work near the fuel tank or rail
- 3
Basic tool needed
Compare the live fuel temperature value with actual ambient and engine conditions
- 4
Basic tool needed
If the vehicle has other fuel-system or flex-fuel codes, diagnose them together
- 5
Basic tool needed
If the signal changes when the harness is moved, focus on wiring before replacing the sensor
If the code returns
- -If the reading is unrealistically cold on a warm vehicle, the circuit or sensor is more likely than fuel quality alone.
- -If the connector is wet or corroded, fix that before replacing the part.
- -If the code returns after replacement, revisit the circuit path and power/ground side.
Background
What this code means
P0182 is a generic OBD-II code for a low-input fuel temperature sensor fault.
The ECU is seeing a signal that suggests the fuel is colder than expected, which can happen because of a sensor short, wiring problem, or contamination in the circuit.
Diagnosis
Common causes
Shorted fuel temperature sensor
The sensor may report colder than reality if it has failed internally.
Wiring or connector fault
A short or poor connection can pull the reading low.
Contamination or moisture
Water or fuel contamination can upset the signal.
Shared circuit issue
The sensor may be fine but the circuit supporting it is not.
Avoid these mistakes
What not to do
- xDo not replace the sensor first if there is obvious wiring, connector, or fuel contamination damage.
- xDo not assume a flex-fuel or fuel-temperature code is safe to ignore if hard starting or stalling is already happening.
Parts
Parts that may need replacing
See also
Related OBD codes
P0180
P0180 usually means the fuel temperature sensor circuit has a malfunction.
P0181
P0181 usually means the fuel temperature sensor is out of range or performance.
P0183
P0183 usually means the fuel temperature sensor is reading too high.
P0184
P0184 usually means the fuel temperature sensor is intermittent or erratic.
Source notes
Generic OBD-II (SAE J1979 / ISO 15031-5). P0182 was expanded around common low-input fuel-temperature faults, including shorts, contamination, and connector issues.
This guide is written as a generic multi-make reference, so bulletin history, sensor locations, and repair order can still change by manufacturer and engine family.
This is generic OBD-II guidance and should not override vehicle-specific service information. Exact diagnosis and repair steps vary by make, engine family, and model year.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-10
Reference: Open reference