P0180: Fuel temperature sensor A circuit malfunction
The ECU is not getting a valid signal from the sensor that measures fuel temperature. It is usually a connector, a wire or the sensor itself.
| Code | P0180 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P01xx, Air and fuel metering |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Yes, no rush |
What P0180 means
Some engines measure fuel temperature to fine tune injection, especially diesels. The sensor may sit in the tank, the pump or a fuel line, and which one counts as sensor A is up to each manufacturer. This code means the signal from that circuit is missing or makes no sense.
Most common causes
- Loose, dirty or corroded sensor connector
- Broken or chafed wire between the sensor and the ECU
- Faulty fuel temperature sensor
- Poor ground connection in the circuit
- ECU fault (rare)
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Slightly harder starting, especially when cold or hot
- Small increase in fuel consumption
- Often nothing noticeable at all
Can you drive with P0180?
Yes, no rush You can keep using the car normally. The ECU usually falls back on a default value, so the effect on driving is small.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Read the live fuel temperature after the car has stood overnight: it should be close to the outside temperature. If it shows a fixed or impossible figure, start by checking the sensor connector.
How to read and clear P0180 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0180 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P017C The cylinder head temperature sensor A gives a lower signal than normal
- P017D The cylinder head temperature sensor A gives a higher signal than normal
- P017E The cylinder head temperature sensor A fails now and then
- P017F The evaporative emission system leak detection pump module air filter is clogged
- P0181 Fuel temperature sensor A range or performance problem
- P0182 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit low
- P0183 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit high
- P0184 The fuel temperature sensor A fails now and then
- P0100 Mass or volume air flow sensor circuit fault
- P0101 Air flow sensor range or performance problem
- P0102 Air flow sensor circuit low input
- P0103 Air flow sensor circuit high input
What does code P0180 mean?
Some engines measure fuel temperature to fine tune injection, especially diesels. The sensor may sit in the tank, the pump or a fuel line, and which one counts as sensor A is up to each manufacturer. This code means the signal from that circuit is missing or makes no sense.
Can you drive with P0180?
You can keep using the car normally. The ECU usually falls back on a default value, so the effect on driving is small.
How do you clear P0180?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0180 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
