P0184Generic code

P0184 Code: Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent

The P0184 code means the fuel temperature sensor signal drops out or jumps intermittently. The most likely cause is a loose connection in the connector or a damaged wire, more than the sensor itself. A wiggle test with live data usually finds it.

Severity
Low
Can I keep driving?
Yes, no immediate risk
Estimated cost
$40 to $300
Difficulty
Medium
System
Fuel Injection
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0184 code means

Fuel temperature sensor A is located on the fuel rail, in the fuel feed line or inside the fuel pump module, depending on the vehicle (very common on diesels and flex fuel vehicles). The computer uses it because fuel density changes with temperature, so it corrects the amount of fuel injected, and on flex fuel and diesel engines it also helps protect the system from overheating.

The computer detected that the fuel temperature sensor signal drops out or jumps for a moment and then comes back. Brief dropouts like that are almost never the sensor itself. They are the classic signature of a loose connection in the connector, or of a wire that is broken inside its insulation and opens the circuit with vibration or heat. That intermittent loss is what stores the P0184 code.

Keep in mind that the code points to the circuit where the computer saw the problem, not necessarily the part that failed. Check the wiring before you replace the sensor, and treat the P0184 code as a starting point for testing rather than a parts list.

P0184 code symptoms

  • Check engine light on and steady.
  • In many cases you notice nothing while driving, only the light on the dash.
  • Symptoms come and go, often with bumps, rain or as the engine warms up.
  • Possible companion codes from the same sensor (low, high or intermittent signal).

Likely causes of the P0184 code

  1. Loose connection in the connector, with loose, backed-out or corroded pins.
  2. Wire broken inside its insulation, which opens the circuit with vibration.
  3. Harness rubbing against moving or hot parts.
  4. Loose shared ground that affects several sensors at once.
  5. Sensor with an intermittent internal fault. This is less common than the causes above.
  6. Also check: On flex fuel vehicles, the fuel composition sensor often measures temperature as well, so its P0176 to P0179 codes can show up alongside this one.

How to diagnose the P0184 code step by step

  1. Read the live data from the sensor and compare it with what you expect. After the vehicle has sat for several hours, the fuel temperature should be close to the ambient air temperature.
  2. Inspect the connector. Unplug it, look for green, backed-out or oily pins, and plug it back in firmly.
  3. With the key on and the sensor unplugged, measure the reference at the connector. You should see about 5 V between the signal pin and ground.
  4. Do the jumper test. With the sensor unplugged, the scan tool should show about -40 °C (-40 °F). When you join the two connector pins with a jumper wire, the reading should jump to over 120 °C (248 °F). If it does, the wiring is good and the problem is the sensor.
  5. Measure the sensor resistance and compare it with the technical data table at the current temperature.
  6. Do a wiggle test. With the engine running, move the harness and the connector while you watch the live data. A sudden jump gives away the spot where the fault is.
  7. Check the continuity of each wire between the sensor connector and the computer connector with the key off.

How to fix the P0184 code

  • Repair or replace the connector terminals that do not hold tightly.
  • Replace the damaged section of wire and protect it from rubbing.
  • Replace the sensor only if the fault continues when the wiring is perfect.
  • Use a quality OE or equivalent sensor. Cheap generic ones often have different response curves.
  • Clear the codes, drive a full drive cycle and check in the live data that the reading makes sense.

Technical reference data

  • Two-wire NTC thermistor with a 5 V reference.
  • Approximate resistance: 2,000 to 3,000 ohms at 20 °C (68 °F). It drops as the sensor warms up.
  • Open circuit: a reading of about -40 °C (-40 °F). Short circuit: over 120 °C (248 °F).
  • These are approximate values. Check the manufacturer data for your engine.

Brand-specific notes

The fuel temperature signal does not come from the same place on every vehicle. Where the sensor sits depends on the brand and on the type of engine.

P0184 on GM

On flex fuel GM vehicles, the fuel temperature is supplied by the fuel composition sensor itself.

P0184 on Ford

On common rail diesels, the fuel temperature sensor is usually on the high pressure pump or in the return line.

P0184 on Nissan

On common rail diesels, the fuel temperature sensor is usually on the high pressure pump or in the return line.

P0184 on Toyota

On common rail diesels, the fuel temperature sensor is usually on the high pressure pump or in the return line.

Frequently asked questions about P0184

What does the P0184 code mean?
The P0184 code means the fuel temperature sensor signal drops out or jumps for a moment and then comes back. That points to a loose connection or a damaged wire more often than to the sensor itself.
Can I drive with a P0184 code?
Yes, in general there is no immediate risk. The engine runs on a substitute value and may use a bit more fuel, so get it repaired soon.
What is the most common cause of P0184?
The most common cause is a loose connection in the connector, with backed-out or corroded pins. A wire that is broken inside its insulation and opens with vibration or heat comes next.
Does the P0184 code always mean I need a new fuel temperature sensor?
No. In most cases the fault is in the connector or the wiring. Do the supply, ground and continuity tests first, and replace the sensor only when those pass.
What is the difference between a low signal and a high signal?
On a thermistor, a low signal means an impossibly high temperature (a short), and a high signal means an impossibly low temperature (an open circuit).
How much does it cost to fix P0184?
Roughly $40 to $300. The cheap end is repairing a connector, and the expensive end is replacing the sensor with labor. Prices vary by region and shop.
Will a P0184 code clear itself?
Not on its own. If the cause was a loose connector that you have fixed, the code will not come back, but if the fault is still there the computer sets P0184 again. Clearing it with a scan tool without finding the cause only hides it for a while.

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Questions about the P0184 code

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