Fuel and air

P00CE — Intake Air Temperature Sensor Correlation Fault, Bank 1

Severity: medium Safe to drive

What P00CE means

The engine control module compares readings from several intake air temperature sensors on bank 1 with each other and with its own estimate. When the difference is larger than allowed, it sets P00CE. Air temperature is used to calculate air density, fuel delivery and spark timing, so unreliable data hurts engine operation.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation during acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Reduced engine power
  • Hard starting when hot or cold

Possible causes

  1. Failed intake air temperature sensor (one of the sensors)
  2. Corroded, open or shorted wiring or connectors
  3. Poor ground or a problem with the 5 V reference supply
  4. Dirty or damaged sensor, or an air leak near it
  5. ECM software or calibration error
  6. Failed ECM (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data, and look for other intake or boost sensor codes
  2. With a scan tool, compare all intake air temperature readings on a cold engine; they should be close to ambient
  3. Inspect sensors, connectors and harness for moisture, corrosion and chafing
  4. Measure sensor resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's chart for the current temperature
  5. Check the 5 V reference, ground and signal wires for continuity with a multimeter
  6. Check the intake tract for air leaks or contamination near the sensors
  7. Check for ECM software updates for the vehicle
  8. Clear the code and road-test to confirm it does not return

Common fixes

  • Replace the faulty intake air temperature sensor
  • Repair the wiring or replace the connector, and clean the terminals
  • Fix air leaks or clean the intake tract
  • Update or reflash the ECM software
  • Replace the ECM only after other causes are ruled out

P00CE on different brands

Ford · manuals
Ford lists P00CE:00 as the monitor for intake air temperature measurement system multiple sensor correlation on its gasoline engines; the exact interpretation depends on the model and application.

Questions and answers

Can I drive with P00CE?

Usually yes for short trips, unless power loss becomes serious. Have the sensors and wiring checked soon to avoid poor fuel economy and extra strain on the catalytic converter.

Is replacing the intake air temperature sensor enough?

Not always. The code means readings disagree, so any sensor, the wiring, a connector or the power supply could be at fault. Compare readings on a cold engine and test the circuits first.

Will P00CE clear by itself?

If the cause was temporary, such as a poor connection, the light may go out after several drive cycles. A permanent fault will bring the code back.

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.