P0183 fault code: Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High

P0183 means “Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High” — a fuel and air metering fault in the powertrain.

Can I DIY?

Professional-only boundary. Professional only: do not unplug sensor A to force a different code.

Do not DIYReviewed page boundary

This is the conservative boundary from the reviewed code record. This page has no frozen site-wide safety grade, so it does not publish a repair route.

What to tell the garage about P0183

Do not drive. Fuel temperature sensor A is stuck at a high electrical reading. The computer may treat the fuel as hotter than it is. This is the A-circuit high store, not the true over-temperature code P0168.

Take these reviewed, code-specific details with you. They help the garage confirm the fault without turning this page into a repair procedure.

  • Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High: Number plate
  • Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High: Exact code P0183 versus any P0168
  • Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High: Fuel smell or vapour, if noticed
P01xxFuel and air metering
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0183 mean?

P0183 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P01xx block, which covers fuel and air metering. The stored description is “Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0183 fail an MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT (automatic fail) until the fault is repaired and the light stays off.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe.
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P0183 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0183?

Do not drive. Without verified driving guidance, P0183 is treated as do not drive until checked. An electrically high A-sensor is not the same as fuel that is actually too hot, but we will not guess which one you have.

Will P0183 fail my MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT (automatic fail) until the fault is repaired and the light stays off.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.