Diesel Trouble Codes

P0182 — Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low (5.9 Cummins 24-Valve (VP44))

Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low

Updated September 2, 2026

What it means

On the 5.9L Cummins 24-valve VP44 (1998.5–2002) the ECM strategy does not use a fuel temperature sensor, so P0182 is not a valid/used code on this platform. The generic definition is a voltage from the fuel temperature sensor lower than expected. Typical on this platform: the 5.9L Cummins 24-valve (VP44) has no fuel temperature sensor in the ECM strategy; the code is not used on this platform.1

Most likely causes

  1. Code not applicable to this platform; no fuel temperature sensor in ECM strategy — The platform facts list VP44 hardware with no fuel temperature sensor. Source notes the code is not used on this platform.1
  2. Scanner / software misinterpretation or non-Chrysler enhanced code set — Generic OBD-II definition may be reported by aftermarket tools even though the Cummins ECM does not monitor fuel temperature.1
  3. Wiring / ECM data corruption causing spurious code — A low-voltage fault indication can be a wiring or ECM data issue rather than a sensor fault, given the sensor is not present.1

How to diagnose

  1. Verify platform and ECM calibration: confirm 5.9L Cummins 24-valve VP44 1998.5–2002 and that the code is not in the factory Chrysler enhanced list.
  2. Check scan tool: ensure tool is using Chrysler enhanced P-codes; generic SAE J2012 may display unsupported codes.
  3. Inspect for recent ECM reflashes, aftermarket tuning, or non-OEM modules that could introduce unsupported PIDs.
  4. Clear code and monitor for reoccurrence under normal driving; if it does not return, treat as spurious.
  5. If code persists, check ECM power/ground and harness integrity for electrical noise or corruption rather than a fuel temp sensor.
  6. Document findings; no fuel temperature sensor exists to test on this platform.

Parts and tools you may need

Rough cost and difficulty

No repair is required for a non-applicable code. Diagnostic time only if investigating spurious reporting.

When to see a pro

If the code returns consistently with a Chrysler-enhanced scanner, have a diesel technician verify ECM calibration and scan tool compatibility. Do not chase a non-existent fuel temperature sensor.

Sources

  1. Curated DTC seed — 5.9 Cummins 24-Valve (VP44) (curated) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎