thedeatons

DTC P0181: Fuel Tank Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance.
I have seen this is related to TSB #89.

Anyone know how to permanently fix this code?


Last time I saw this code it was thrown along with a P0421. The dealer replaced my cat under warranty, and reflashed my ECU, but now the P0181 is back....

I would like to fix this once and for all.

James

thedeatons

So, the dealer told me the fuel tank temp sensor is located on the bottom of the fuel gauge sending unit. You cannot order it seperately, you must order the entire sending unit. From the dealer it is $122.

I may check Auto Zone...

James

thedeatons

Does anyone have a fix for this, or perhaps can show TSB 89 to me?

I have searched the net and it seems that P0181 is affiliated with TSB 89.

My county is now doing Emissions Testing, and the SES light is STILL ON!

Do I really need to replace the Fuel Sending Unit?????

James

hilaloruc

did you find out about it?

thedeatons

Yep. Replaced the sending unit (ordered a Mitsu part through an online distributor) and replaced it in 15 minutes. 3 nuts and a connector basically. Fixed the problem!

shadovarian

iTrader: (1)

Do you have picture or some instructions on where it is located? Also is there a periphery fix for this?

thedeatons

I attempted a fix when I had the sending unit on my workbench... Didn't work.

I just ordered a new sending unit online for about $55. That fixed it completely.

Basically do this:
Pull rear seat bottom out of car.
Locate fuel gauge sending unit on driver side of car (under the seat you just removed).
Remove electrical connector from sending unit.
Remove three nuts from top of sending unit.
Pull sending unit straight up and out.
Throw old unit away.
Reinstall new unit in reverse of uninstalling old unit.

Done!

James

shadovarian

iTrader: (1)

That is a lot easier than I had thought. I was under the impression that this unit required the tank to be dropped.

You wouldn't happen to know if this is the same part between regular lancer and evo would you?

thedeatons

Not sure... Mitsu can tell you, or a parts breakdown...

James

Drew1

iTrader: (1)

So I see this post is almost 10 years old but hopefully someone can be a little more clear...

I just got P0181 and everything I've read it looks like you replace the main housing that the pump is in (link below).

https://stmtuned.com/products/fuel-pump-holder-oem-evo-7-8-9?variant=819923025929&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=g oogle&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAj w9e3YBRBcEiwAzjCJuoFtlEyDPGVByAjlUhxnuVoThQ3e6ivGG 4a_aqJ75pm1OVQ0EBEa8hoCz9oQAvD_BwE

can anyone confirm on deny that? Since that is more than 3 screws and an exchange as described above.

another thread shows an inaccessible hole between the two access points as to where the sensor is.

Drew1

iTrader: (1)

looks like I found the correct part.

Temp Sensor - Mitsubishi (MN120016)

but no access that I can find. Anyone know anything more about this?

Drew1

iTrader: (1)

Ended up replacing with the part above from a parted out car. Code was fixed. They do not stock this part in the US and it is weeks from Japan if ordered by dealer. I ended up using an Oscillating tool to precision cut a hole and then picked up a fuel door to secure the hold back up. No access hole because it is not a sensor utilized on JDM vehicles, it is only used by USDM because of EGR emission stuff.

city

iTrader: (1)

Do you have any pictures of where you had to cut to access the fuel temp sensor?