Fuel and air

P00AE — Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P00AE means

The PCM detected that the signal from intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 1 on bank 2 drops out or jumps around. The sensor normally changes its resistance with air temperature, and the PCM uses that reading to adjust fuel delivery and ignition timing. An unstable signal makes those calculations less accurate.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Reduced power, especially on a cold start
  • Hesitation or surging during acceleration
  • Rough or unstable idle

Possible causes

  1. Loose, corroded or damaged IAT sensor connector
  2. Faulty bank 2 IAT sensor 1
  3. Damaged wiring harness (open or short circuit)
  4. Faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor if the IAT is built into it
  5. PCM fault or software issue (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Read the freeze frame data to see when the code was set
  2. Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion, moisture, poor retention or bent pins
  3. Wiggle the harness and connector with the engine running while watching IAT data on a scan tool
  4. Compare IAT reading on a cold engine with the ambient temperature
  5. Check the sensor's resistance against specs and see that it changes as it warms
  6. Test the signal and ground wires for opens, shorts and high resistance
  7. Verify the 5 V reference at the connector
  8. Check for PCM software updates only after ruling out the wiring and sensor

Common fixes

  • Clean and securely reseat the IAT connector
  • Replace IAT sensor 1 on bank 2
  • Repair or replace the damaged section of wiring
  • Replace the MAF sensor if the IAT is part of it and it is faulty
  • Reflash or replace the PCM (last resort)

Questions and answers

What does P00AE mean?

The PCM sees an intermittent signal from intake air temperature sensor 1 on bank 2. The most common causes are a poor connector contact or a failing sensor.

Can I drive with code P00AE?

Usually yes, though you may notice higher fuel use and rougher running. It's best to diagnose it soon.

How do I fix P00AE?

Start by inspecting and cleaning the connector and checking the wiring, then test the sensor. If those are fine, look at the MAF sensor or the PCM.

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.