Can I drive with P0183?

Usually yes. The control unit uses a default fuel temperature, so the car normally keeps running. If it also loses power or goes into limp mode, that is a different problem and needs checking soon.

Where is the fuel temperature sensor?

It depends on the engine. On some diesels it is built into the fuel filter housing, on others it is on the fuel pump or the fuel rail. Check the service information for your exact engine.

How much does it cost to fix P0183?

A connector repair is typically 45-150 EUR, a sensor 45-210 EUR fitted, and a fuel filter with a built-in sensor about 60-160 EUR on a diesel.

Can P0183 cause a no-start?

It rarely does on its own, because the control unit uses a fallback value. If the car will not start, look for other fuel pressure or sensor codes.

P0183: Fuel Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit High

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

P0183 means the signal from the fuel temperature sensor is higher than the control unit expects, which usually means an open circuit, a short to voltage or a failed sensor. The control unit uses fuel temperature to estimate fuel density and correct the amount injected. On many diesels the sensor sits in or near the fuel filter housing; on others it is on the fuel pump or rail.

Severity: Low · Fuel System
Estimated repair cost: From €45 to €210+, varies by vehicle

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What does P0183 mean?

P0183 is a fuel system-related diagnostic trouble code classified as low severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0183 and illuminates the check engine light.

What are the symptoms of P0183?

If your vehicle has triggered P0183, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

Check engine light on
Slightly rough running or hesitation, mostly when fuel is hot or cold
Longer cranking on a hot or cold start on some engines
Small drop in power or higher fuel use
No obvious symptoms in many cases

What causes P0183?

Here are the most common causes of P0183:

Faulty fuel temperature sensor
: high
Corroded, loose or damaged sensor connector
: high
Open or shorted wiring between the sensor and the control unit
: medium
Sensor integrated in a fuel filter or pump module that has failed
: medium
Signal wire shorted to a voltage supply
: low
Faulty control unit (rare)
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0183?

Generally yes, for short-term driving. Usually safe to drive. The control unit falls back to a default fuel temperature, so the car normally runs, though you may notice slightly rougher starting or running when the fuel is very hot or cold. Fix it before an inspection, and treat any lost power or limp mode as a separate fault.

How do you diagnose P0183?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0183:

Read the stored code and freeze frame with an OBD2 reader, and note whether other fuel codes (P0191, P0193) are stored too
If your car reports fuel temperature to your reader (many do not on generic OBD2), check the value. A sensor that is unplugged or has a broken signal wire usually reads as the coldest possible value, such as minus 40 degrees
Find the sensor for your engine (in the fuel filter housing, on the pump or on the rail, depending on the car) and inspect the connector for corrosion, bent pins or moisture
With the sensor unplugged, a workshop checks the reference and signal circuits with a multimeter against the wiring diagram for a short to voltage or an open circuit
If the wiring tests normal, replace the sensor, or the filter or pump module if the sensor is built into it
Clear the code and road-test to confirm it does not return

How much does P0183 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0183 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Repair or clean sensor connector and wiring	€5–€30	€40–€120	€45–€150	Moderate
Replace fuel temperature sensor	€15–€90	€30–€120	€45–€210	Moderate
Replace fuel filter with built-in sensor (diesel)	€25–€80	€35–€80	€60–€160	Moderate

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

P0183 on specific vehicles

P0183 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0183 on Saab

Saab 9-5 2.0 TiD / TTiD (GM A20DTH / A20DTR diesel)

See Saab-specific causes & cost

P0183 on Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf TDI (common rail)

See Volkswagen-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0183 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0183

What does P0183 mean?: P0183 means the fuel temperature sensor circuit is sending a voltage higher than the control unit expects. That usually points to an open circuit, a short to voltage or a failed sensor.
Can I drive with P0183?: Usually yes. The control unit uses a default fuel temperature, so the car normally keeps running. If it also loses power or goes into limp mode, that is a different problem and needs checking soon.
Where is the fuel temperature sensor?: It depends on the engine. On some diesels it is built into the fuel filter housing, on others it is on the fuel pump or the fuel rail. Check the service information for your exact engine.
How much does it cost to fix P0183?: A connector repair is typically 45-150 EUR, a sensor 45-210 EUR fitted, and a fuel filter with a built-in sensor about 60-160 EUR on a diesel.
Can P0183 cause a no-start?: It rarely does on its own, because the control unit uses a fallback value. If the car will not start, look for other fuel pressure or sensor codes.

Read our detailed guides

Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0183

Your car logged P0183. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €45-€210 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.