P0182: Fuel temperature sensor A circuit low
The ECU sees a voltage that is too low from the fuel temperature sensor. It is nearly always a wire shorting to ground or a shorted sensor.
| Code | P0182 |
|---|---|
| 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 P0182 means
Low input means the circuit voltage is below anything the sensor can produce in normal use. With this type of sensor a very low voltage translates into an impossibly high temperature, so the ECU stops trusting it. Which one is sensor A is decided by each manufacturer.
Most common causes
- Chafed signal wire touching the body or ground
- Fuel temperature sensor shorted internally
- Moisture or dirt in the connector creating a leak to ground
- Wiring harness damaged by rubbing or heat
- ECU fault (rare)
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- The reader shows an unrealistically high fuel temperature
- Slightly harder starting
- Usually no other symptoms
Can you drive with P0182?
Yes, no rush You can drive normally. The ECU uses a default value and the effect on driving is usually minimal.
How to check it
Watch the live fuel temperature: if it reads extremely high on a cold engine, unplug the sensor with the ignition off and check again. If the reading jumps to the opposite extreme, the wiring is fine and the sensor is to blame.
How to read and clear P0182 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 P0182 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.
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 the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0174 System running too lean (bank 2)
- P0175 System running too rich (bank 2)
- P0180 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit malfunction
- P0181 Fuel temperature sensor A range or performance problem
- P0183 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit high
- P0190 Fuel rail pressure sensor circuit malfunction
- P0191 Fuel rail pressure sensor range or performance problem
- P0192 Fuel rail pressure sensor circuit low
- 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
P0182 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on BMW, Citroën, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P0182 mean?
Low input means the circuit voltage is below anything the sensor can produce in normal use. With this type of sensor a very low voltage translates into an impossibly high temperature, so the ECU stops trusting it. Which one is sensor A is decided by each manufacturer.
Can you drive with P0182?
You can drive normally. The ECU uses a default value and the effect on driving is usually minimal.
How do you clear P0182?
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, P0182 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com