Fuel and air

P00A0 — Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit, Bank 2

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P00A0 means

The engine control unit monitors the temperature sensor that measures air leaving the intercooler on bank 2. It set this code because the signal is out of range or does not make sense. The ECU uses this reading to adjust boost, fueling and spark timing, so a bad signal makes those calculations less accurate.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Possible limp mode
  • Inconsistent boost response
  • Possible emissions problems

Possible causes

  1. Failed charge air temperature sensor
  2. Open, shorted or chafed sensor wiring
  3. Corroded or loose connector
  4. Damaged intercooler or charge air ducting
  5. Moisture or oil contamination in the connector or harness
  6. ECU fault (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and review freeze frame data, noting any boost or air temperature codes.
  2. Identify which sensor is on bank 2 using the wiring diagram for your vehicle.
  3. Inspect the connector and harness for corrosion, oil, moisture or damaged insulation.
  4. On a cold engine, compare the sensor reading with ambient and other temperature sensors.
  5. Measure sensor resistance and compare it to the manufacturer's specification.
  6. Check reference voltage, signal and ground at the connector, and test the wires back to the ECU.
  7. Inspect the intercooler and ducting for cracks, oil and air leaks.
  8. If the circuit is good and the code returns, evaluate the ECU.

Common fixes

  • Replace the charge air temperature sensor
  • Repair the wiring or replace the damaged connector
  • Clean the terminals and reseal the connector
  • Replace the intercooler or ducting if damaged
  • ECU repair or reprogramming (rare)

Questions and answers

What does P00A0 mean?

It indicates a fault in the circuit of the charge air cooler temperature sensor on bank 2. The ECU is seeing a wrong or missing signal from that sensor.

Can I drive with P00A0?

Briefly, if power is normal. Get it checked soon, because the ECU may limit boost and fuel economy can drop.

How do I fix P00A0?

Start by inspecting the sensor connector and wiring, then test the sensor itself. Replacing the sensor or repairing the harness fixes most cases.

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.