Fuel and air

P00A7 — Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2)

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P00A7 means

The engine control module monitors the signal voltage from the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor on bank 2. The sensor is a thermistor: colder air raises its resistance and signal voltage. P00A7 sets when the voltage stays below the expected range, which the module reads as an unrealistically hot intake air temperature.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Hesitation or stumbling on acceleration
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Reduced engine power
  • Harder starting when cold

Possible causes

  1. Failed intake air temperature sensor 2 (bank 2)
  2. Signal wire shorted to ground
  3. Damaged wiring harness or corroded connector
  4. Moisture or dirt in the sensor connector
  5. Rarely, a faulty ECM

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data, clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Compare IAT 2 with IAT 1 and with coolant or ambient temperature on a cold engine
  3. Inspect the sensor connector and harness for chafing, moisture, corrosion and a loose fit
  4. Unplug the sensor: if the reading drops to its minimum or the code changes to a high or open-circuit fault, the wiring is likely fine and the sensor is suspect
  5. Measure the sensor resistance and compare it with the spec at the current temperature
  6. Check for 5 V reference and make sure the signal wire isn't shorted to ground
  7. Test the wiring to the ECM for opens and shorts
  8. If everything checks out, evaluate the ECM

Common fixes

  • Replace intake air temperature sensor 2
  • Repair or replace the damaged harness or connector
  • Fix the short to ground in the signal wire
  • Reflash or replace the ECM if all else is good

Questions and answers

What does P00A7 mean?

It means the circuit for intake air temperature sensor 2 on bank 2 is reporting low voltage. The ECM reads this as extremely hot air and logs the fault.

Can I drive with code P00A7?

Usually yes, but only for a short time. The air-fuel mixture may be slightly off, which can hurt fuel economy and drivability, so get it checked soon.

How do I fix P00A7?

Start with the connector and wiring, then test the sensor's resistance. Most often the fix is a new sensor or a repaired harness.

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.