Engine

P00E1 — Charge Air Cooler Coolant Temperature Sensor A Circuit High

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P00E1 means

The engine control module monitors the signal voltage from the coolant temperature sensor in the liquid-cooled charge air cooler loop. The sensor is a thermistor, so colder coolant gives higher resistance and higher signal voltage. P00E1 sets when that voltage rises above the expected range, usually from an open circuit, poor connection or a failed sensor.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Rough idle
  • Boost limited (limp mode)
  • Possible high intake air temperatures under load

Possible causes

  1. Failed charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor
  2. Open signal wire or poor connector contact
  3. Corroded sensor connector terminals
  4. Open sensor ground wire
  5. Signal wire shorted to voltage
  6. ECM fault (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data, clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Check live data for the charge air cooler coolant temperature: an unrealistic or stuck value at the scale limit points to an open circuit
  3. Inspect the sensor, connector and harness for damage, corrosion, oil or coolant contamination
  4. Unplug the connector and check for reference voltage (typically about 5 V) and ground, following the wiring diagram
  5. Jumper the connector terminals: if the reading drops sharply, the sensor or its connection is at fault
  6. Measure sensor resistance and compare it with the spec for the current temperature
  7. Test the harness to the ECM for opens and shorts to voltage
  8. Check the charge air cooler coolant pump operation and coolant level

Common fixes

  • Replace the charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor
  • Repair the harness or replace the connector and clean the terminals
  • Restore the ground or reference voltage circuit
  • Reflash or replace the ECM if everything else checks out

Questions and answers

What does P00E1 mean?

The ECM is getting too high a voltage signal from the charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor. It usually comes from an open circuit, a bad connection or the sensor itself.

Can I drive with code P00E1?

Briefly and carefully until it is repaired. The engine may run in limp mode with less power, and heavy loads raise the risk of hot intake air.

How do I fix P00E1?

Inspect the connector and wiring first, check reference voltage and ground, then test the sensor resistance. Replacing the sensor or repairing the harness fixes most cases.

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.