P0183: Fuel temperature sensor A circuit high
The ECU sees a voltage that is too high from the fuel temperature sensor. Typically an unplugged connector, a broken wire or an open sensor.
| Code | P0183 |
|---|---|
| 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 P0183 means
High input means the voltage is above anything a working sensor can produce. With this type of sensor that equals an impossibly low temperature, which usually happens when the circuit is open, meaning broken somewhere. Which one is sensor A is decided by each manufacturer.
Most common causes
- Sensor connector unplugged, loose or corroded
- Broken signal or ground wire
- Fuel temperature sensor open internally
- Signal wire touching a positive feed
- ECU fault (rare)
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- The reader shows an extremely low fuel temperature
- Slightly harder starting when hot
- Usually no other symptoms
Can you drive with P0183?
Yes, no rush You can drive normally. The ECU uses a default value and driving hardly changes.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
If the reader shows a fuel temperature far below the outside temperature, make sure the sensor connector is fully plugged in and clean. With the sensor unplugged and its two wires bridged, the reading should jump to maximum: if it does, the sensor is at fault.
How to read and clear P0183 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 P0183 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
- P017F The evaporative emission system leak detection pump module air filter is clogged
- P0180 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit malfunction
- P0181 Fuel temperature sensor A range or performance problem
- P0182 Fuel temperature sensor A circuit low
- P0184 The fuel temperature sensor A fails now and then
- P0185 The fuel temperature sensor B has an electrical fault
- P0186 The fuel temperature sensor B gives readings outside the normal range
- P0187 The fuel temperature sensor B gives a lower signal than normal
- 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 P0183 mean?
High input means the voltage is above anything a working sensor can produce. With this type of sensor that equals an impossibly low temperature, which usually happens when the circuit is open, meaning broken somewhere. Which one is sensor A is decided by each manufacturer.
Can you drive with P0183?
You can drive normally. The ECU uses a default value and driving hardly changes.
How do you clear P0183?
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, P0183 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.
