Fuel and air

P00AD — Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High (Bank 2)

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P00AD means

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor whose resistance changes with temperature. The PCM sends it a 5 V reference and reads the voltage to work out air temperature. P00AD sets when the bank 2 sensor 1 signal stays above the expected range, which usually points to an open circuit or a sensor reading an impossibly cold value.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Slightly weaker acceleration
  • Harder cold starts (not always)

Possible causes

  1. Failed bank 2 IAT sensor (internal open circuit)
  2. Open signal or ground wire in the sensor circuit
  3. Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the sensor
  4. Poor ground connection for the sensor
  5. Rarely, a faulty PCM or reference voltage circuit

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze-frame data, and note any related IAT or MAF codes.
  2. Inspect the sensor, connector and harness for chafing, moisture, corrosion and a loose latch.
  3. Compare the scan tool IAT reading with actual air temperature on a cold engine; a reading near −40°F/°C suggests an open circuit.
  4. Unplug the sensor and check for about 5 V reference and a good ground at the harness side.
  5. Measure sensor resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's temperature chart.
  6. Test the signal and ground wires back to the PCM for opens and shorts to voltage.
  7. If wiring and sensor are good, evaluate the PCM before considering replacement or reprogramming.

Common fixes

  • Replace the bank 2 intake air temperature sensor
  • Clean or replace the corroded connector and restore terminal contact
  • Repair or replace the damaged wiring section
  • Replace or reprogram the PCM only after other causes are ruled out

Questions and answers

What does P00AD mean?

The PCM is seeing too high a voltage from bank 2 intake air temperature sensor 1. The usual culprits are a bad sensor, an open wire or a poor connector contact.

Can I drive with code P00AD?

Usually yes, for a short time. The PCM may mis-estimate air density, which can hurt fuel economy and smooth running, so get it fixed soon.

How do I tell a bad sensor from a wiring fault?

Unplug the connector and check for reference voltage and ground at the harness. If both are present but the sensor's resistance is off the chart, replace the sensor; if not, trace the 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.