Fuel Temperature Sensor

[psaboic]

Just a quick question with a little background. I have noticed over the past couple months that the performance on my 2002 Jetta TDI has been dropping off a bit, especially going up hills and grades. Just not as peppy. Anyway, about 2 weeks ago I got a check engine light with a P0182 code (fuel temperature sensor input signal low). I cleared it and it came back. Cleared it and it came back again so it is a legitimate code.

Funny thing is, now that I have the code, the car seems to have most of its pep back. Coincidence, or does the computer revert to a stored value when the temperature sensor is bad? If so, would this explain the better performance?

Thanks,

Glenn

 

[CopaMundial]

Coincidence, or does the computer revert to a stored value when the temperature sensor is bad?

Yes, it substitutes a stored value in that case.
The function of various sensors on the ALH-generation engines and the action taken in case of a missing input are all discussed here.

http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/529/13523tdi-technik-eng.pdf

 

[TDI_G]

The sensor takes all but 20 minutes to change and the part is only ~$20. I have been told it is a wear item. When you start the car, does it act like you blipped the throttle briefly? Andrew at fixmyvw.com had one sent to me quickly and for dirt cheap. I don't see it on his website but know that he carries it. Just shoot him and email.

 

[psaboic]

No, it just seems to start easier than it has in awhile and it seems to have more pep and rev a little easier.

 

[vwdieseling]

You need the special IP socket you can get it from Metalnerd. I replaced mine 3 years ago. The ECM trims or meters the IP's fuel output based on the fuel density. This winter you may be in trouble if you don't replace it.