P0182 on the 5.9L Cummins 24V is a fuel temperature sensor A circuit low input fault. The 1998.5 to 2002 24V uses a fuel temperature sensor so the ECM can correct fueling and timing for how fuel density changes with temperature, which also plays into the VP44 injection pump's fuel correction. P0182 sets when the ECM reads a fuel temperature voltage too low, corresponding to an implausibly hot reading, indicating a short or a failed sensor.
Fuel temperature might seem minor, but on the VP44-equipped 24V it factors into how the pump and ECM meter fuel, so a false reading can subtly change power and economy. Because the sensor is a simple thermistor, P0182 almost always traces to a short in the wiring, a bad connector, or a failed sensor rather than anything internal, which makes it a straightforward repair once the circuit is checked.
What P0182 means
The fuel temperature sensor is a thermistor whose resistance drops as fuel warms. Low resistance yields low signal voltage, which the ECM reads as very hot fuel. P0182 sets when that voltage stays at the low end of the scale, pointing to a signal wire shorted to ground, a sensor that has failed shorted, or a connector bridging the signal to ground.
Common causes
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Failed fuel temperature sensor reading shorted
- Corroded connector bridging signal and ground
- Chafed harness near the injection pump or fuel system
- Water intrusion in the sensor connector
Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0182 stored
- Minor changes in power or fuel economy
- Fuel temperature reading pinned very hot
- Often little noticeable drivability change
- Companion fuel temperature codes such as P0180 or P0183
How to diagnose it
View fuel temperature data with a scan tool. A reading pinned at an extreme hot value, well above ambient after a cold soak, confirms the low circuit fault. Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion, water, and bent pins. Unplug the sensor and watch the reading; if it swings to the opposite extreme, the wiring is intact and the sensor is likely shorted. Check the signal wire for a short to ground and confirm continuity back to the ECM. Measure the sensor resistance against a temperature chart.
How to fix it
Repair a signal wire shorted to ground and clean or replace a corroded connector, which resolves many P0182 cases. If the wiring checks good but the sensor reads shorted, replace the fuel temperature sensor. Confirm the connector is sealed against moisture. After the repair, clear the code, verify the fuel temperature reads plausibly after a cold soak, and road test. For the correct fuel temperature sensor for your 24V Cummins, contact sales@coredieselparts.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between P0180 and P0182?
P0180 is a general fuel temperature circuit malfunction, while P0182 specifically flags the circuit reading too low. Both point at the sensor and its wiring.
Is P0182 the sensor or the wiring?
Unplug the sensor and watch the reading. If it swings to the opposite extreme, the wiring is good and the sensor is shorted. If it stays low, suspect a wire shorted to ground.
Does P0182 affect the VP44 pump?
Indirectly. Fuel temperature feeds the fueling correction, so a false hot reading can slightly alter metering. Repair it to keep fueling accurate.
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