Fuel and air

P00AA — Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction, Bank 2

Severity: medium Safe to drive

What P00AA means

The engine computer constantly monitors the signal voltage from the bank 2 intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The sensor is a thermistor whose resistance changes with temperature, which changes the signal voltage. P00AA sets when that signal is out of range or does not make sense, such as with an open, short or implausible reading. Air temperature is used to estimate air density and calculate fueling.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Sluggish acceleration or hesitation
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Hard starting or occasional stalling

Possible causes

  1. Failed bank 2 intake air temperature sensor
  2. Open or shorted wiring in the sensor circuit
  3. Poor connector contact or ground problem
  4. Corroded or damaged connector terminals
  5. PCM failure (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze-frame data, and look for other air sensor codes
  2. Compare the bank 2 IAT reading with the other IAT sensor and with ambient temperature on a cold engine
  3. Inspect the sensor, connector and harness for damage, chafing, moisture and corrosion
  4. Unplug the connector and check reference voltage and ground
  5. Measure sensor resistance and compare it to the spec at a known temperature
  6. Test the wires to the PCM for opens and shorts to ground or power
  7. If the sensor and wiring are good, evaluate the PCM

Common fixes

  • Replace the intake air temperature sensor
  • Repair the wiring or replace the damaged connector
  • Clean the terminals and restore the ground connection
  • Replace or reprogram the PCM (last resort)

P00AA on different brands

Ford · manuals
Ford documents P00AA:92 in its 2024-2025 gasoline-engine OBD monitor strategy as IAT21 range/performance; it identifies the monitor condition that tripped, not a confirmed failed part.

Questions and answers

Can I drive with code P00AA?

Usually yes, for a short time. The engine runs on backup values, so you may see worse mileage and weaker performance. Have it diagnosed soon.

What does bank 2 mean in P00AA?

Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1 on V-type and flat engines. The fault is in the air temperature sensor circuit on that side.

How do I test an IAT sensor?

With a scan tool, compare its reading to ambient temperature on a cold engine, then measure its resistance with a multimeter and compare it to spec. Also check the connector and wiring.

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.