GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The fuel temperature sensor is a thermistor that controls 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 PCM performs this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) diagnostic continuously.
    • The engine operation time is more than 8 minutes.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel temperature is less than or equal to 18°C (64°F).
    • All of the diagnostic set conditions are met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step determines if DTC P0183 is a hard failure or an intermittent condition.

  2. This test simulates a DTC P0182. If the PCM recognizes the low signal voltage (high temp) the PCM and the wiring are OK.

  3. This test will determine if the signal circuit is open. There should be 5 volts at the sensor connector if measured with a DMM. This will determine if there is a wiring problem or a malfunctioning PCM.

  4. This step determines if there is a short to voltage on the signal circuit. A short to voltage increases the current flow through the sensor which overwhelms the sensor. This does not allow the sensor to pull down the circuit to the correct voltage and thus display the correct temperature.

  5. After repairing the short to voltage, check the sensor for proper operation.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Connect a scan tool.
  2. Start and idle the engine.
  3. Monitor the Fuel Temp display on the scan tool.

Does the fuel temp measure less than or equal to the specified value?

18°C (64°F)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Disconnect the optical fuel temperature sensor connector.
  4. Jumper the fuel temperature signal circuit and sensor low reference circuit together at the sensor harness.

Does the scan tool display a fuel temperature more than the specified value?

105°C (221°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Jumper the fuel temperature sensor signal circuit to a known good ground.

Does the scan tool display a fuel temperature more than the specified value?

105°C (221°F)

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

5

The DTC is intermittent. If no other DTCs are stored, refer to Diagnostic Aids. If additional DTCs are stored, refer to those tables first.

Are any other DTCs stored?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

  1. Inspect the sensor connector for a proper connection.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

7

  1. Check the fuel temperature sensor low reference circuit for an open between the fuel temp sensor and the PCM.
  2. If a problem is found, repair the problem . Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

8

  1. Check the fuel sensor signal circuit for an open between the fuel temp sensor and the PCM.
  2. If a problem is found, repair the problem . Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

9

With a DMM set to the mA scale, measure the current across the fuel temperature signal and the sensor ground circuit at the sensor harness connector.

Does the current measure less than the specified value?

50 mA

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Repair the short to voltage on the fuel temperature signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

--

11

Inspect the PCM connectors for proper connections and replace the terminals, if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

Important: The new injection pump must be timed. Refer to Fuel Injection Pump Timing Adjustment .

Replace the injection pump. Refer to Fuel Injection Pump Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK