P0183

Circuit Description
The fuel temperature sensor is a thermistor that controls the signal voltage to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When the fuel is cold, the sensor resistance is high, therefore the PCM will see high signal voltage. As the fuel warms, the sensor resistance becomes less and the voltage drops. The fuel temperature sensor is integrated with the optical sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine has been operating for at least 8 minutes.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
^ The fuel temperature is less than or equal to 18°C (64°F).
^ The conditions met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
^ The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive drive trip the diagnostic runs and fails.
^ The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the Failure Records store this information. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive drive trip, the Freeze Frame records the operating conditions at the time of failure and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
^ The PCM will turn the MIL off after three consecutive trips without a fault condition.
^ A History DTC clears after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures
^ The use of a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
A scan tool reads fuel temperature in degrees Celsius. A failure to detect an increase in fuel temperature could be the result of a poor connection or an open in the signal circuit.

An intermittent may be caused by the following:
^ Poor connections
^ Rubbed through wire insulation
^ A broken wire inside the insulation

Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.
2. This step determines if DTC P0183 is a hard failure or an intermittent condition.
3. This test simulates a DTC P0182. If the PCM recognizes the low signal voltage (high temp.) the PCM and wiring are OK.
4. This test will determine if the signal circuit is open. There should be 5 volts at the sensor connector if measured with a J 39200 DMM. This will determine if there is a wiring problem or a malfunctioning PCM.
9. This step determines if there is a short to voltage on the signal circuit. A short to voltage increases current flow through the sensor which overwhelms the sensor. This doesn't allow the sensor to pulldown the circuit to the correct voltage and thus display the correct temperature.
10. After repairing the short to voltage, check the sensor for proper operation.