P0181: Fuel temperature sensor A range or performance problem
The fuel temperature sensor gives readings that do not match other engine data. It is usually the sensor itself or a poor contact at its connector.
| Code | P0181 |
|---|---|
| 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 P0181 means
The signal is there, but the ECU does not believe it: for example, on a cold engine it differs a lot from coolant or intake air temperature, or it never changes. Which sensor is A is decided by each manufacturer. This is not a clear break in the circuit but a reading that does not add up.
Most common causes
- Poor contact or moisture in the sensor connector
- Drifting or faulty fuel temperature sensor
- High resistance in the wiring due to corrosion
- Faulty coolant or intake air temperature sensor that makes the comparison fail
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Slightly worse starting when cold or hot
- Small increase in fuel consumption
- Sometimes no symptoms
Can you drive with P0181?
Yes, no rush You can drive normally. The effect on how the car runs is usually small, though it is worth fixing at the next service.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
On a cold engine after several hours parked, compare fuel, coolant and intake air temperature on the reader: they should be similar. If the fuel reading is far off, its sensor is the prime suspect.
How to read and clear P0181 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 P0181 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
- 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
- P0180 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit malfunction
- P0182 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit low
- P0183 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit high
- P0184 The fuel temperature sensor A fails now and then
- P0185 The fuel temperature sensor B has an electrical fault
- 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 P0181 mean?
The signal is there, but the ECU does not believe it: for example, on a cold engine it differs a lot from coolant or intake air temperature, or it never changes. Which sensor is A is decided by each manufacturer. This is not a clear break in the circuit but a reading that does not add up.
Can you drive with P0181?
You can drive normally. The effect on how the car runs is usually small, though it is worth fixing at the next service.
How do you clear P0181?
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, P0181 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.
