Fuel and air

P00E0 — Charge Air Cooler Coolant Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Low

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P00E0 means

The engine control module received a signal from the charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor that is lower than the expected range. This usually means low signal voltage, as from a short to ground or a failed sensor. A liquid-cooled intercooler lowers the temperature of boosted intake air, and the ECM uses this sensor to adjust boost, timing and coolant pump operation.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power or limited boost
  • Unrealistic or erratic temperature readings on a scan tool
  • Possible increase in fuel consumption
  • Cooling pump or fan may run constantly

Possible causes

  1. Failed charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor
  2. Chafed wiring with the signal wire shorted to ground
  3. Corroded or loose sensor connector
  4. Problem with the 5 V reference or sensor ground
  5. Rarely, a faulty ECM

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and review freeze frame data for related boost or cooling codes
  2. Compare the sensor reading on a cold engine with ambient and engine coolant temperature
  3. Inspect the sensor connector and harness for chafing, moisture and corrosion
  4. Unplug the sensor: the reading should go to open-circuit; if it stays low, the harness is shorted
  5. Measure sensor resistance and compare to the spec at a known temperature
  6. Check the 5 V reference and ground at the connector
  7. Test the signal wire for a short to ground and for an open circuit
  8. Check coolant level and condition in the intercooler loop and confirm the pump works

Common fixes

  • Replace the charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor
  • Repair or replace the damaged wiring and connector
  • Clean contacts and correct the sensor ground or reference supply fault
  • Top up or replace the loop coolant and bleed the circuit
  • As a last resort, test or replace the ECM

Questions and answers

What does P00E0 mean?

The ECM detected a signal that is too low in the circuit of charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A. The most common causes are the sensor itself or a short in its wiring.

Can I drive with code P00E0?

Usually yes, but power may be reduced. Do not put off diagnosis for long, because the ECM cannot accurately monitor charge air temperature.

How do I fix P00E0?

Inspect the sensor connector and harness, then measure the sensor resistance and circuit voltage. Replacing the sensor or repairing the wiring most often fixes it.

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.