Fuel and air

P0096 — Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P0096 means

The engine control unit monitors the voltage from the second intake air temperature (IAT 2) sensor. The sensor's resistance changes with air temperature, and the ECU uses that data to adjust fuel delivery and ignition timing. P0096 is set when the signal is out of range or does not agree with other temperature readings, such as coolant temperature on a cold engine or the first IAT sensor.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Hesitation or stumbling under acceleration
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Reduced power
  • Intermittent drivability problems

Possible causes

  1. Failed intake air temperature sensor 2
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring
  3. Poor connection at the sensor or ECU connector
  4. Open circuit or bad sensor ground
  5. Signal wire shorted to ground or to voltage
  6. Rarely, an internal ECU fault

How to diagnose

  1. Read all codes and freeze frame data, and look for other temperature sensor codes.
  2. Inspect the sensor, connector and harness for chafing, oil, moisture, corrosion and a loose fit.
  3. With a cold engine, compare IAT 2 to IAT 1 and coolant temperature; they should be close.
  4. Unplug the sensor and watch the reading go to one extreme, then jumper the connector terminals and confirm it goes to the other.
  5. Use a multimeter to check the 5 V reference, ground and signal wire continuity to the ECU.
  6. Measure the sensor resistance and compare it to the service manual chart for the current temperature.
  7. Wiggle the harness with the engine running and watch for jumps in the reading.
  8. If wiring and sensor are good, check the ECU connector and look for software updates.

Common fixes

  • Replace intake air temperature sensor 2
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
  • Clean and secure the sensor and ECU connector terminals
  • Restore the sensor ground connection
  • Reflash or replace the ECU (last resort)

Questions and answers

What does P0096 mean?

It means the second intake air temperature sensor is sending a signal that is out of range or does not make sense compared with other sensors. The sensor itself or its wiring is the most common cause.

Can I drive with a P0096 code?

Usually yes, for short trips to a shop. Engine performance and fuel economy may suffer, so do not put off the diagnosis for long.

Will clearing the code fix it?

Only temporarily. If the cause is still there, the ECU will detect the fault again and turn the Check Engine light back on.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.