Fuel and air

P00EB — Intake Air Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit High (Bank 1)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P00EB means

The engine control module is reading a voltage from intake air temperature sensor 3 (bank 1) that is higher than expected. The sensor is a thermistor, so its signal voltage normally drops as air warms up. A high reading usually points to an open circuit, a poor connection or a failed sensor, and the ECM ends up with wrong air temperature data.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Unrealistic intake air temperature reading on a scan tool
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Loss of power or hesitation under load
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Harder starting when hot or cold

Possible causes

  1. Failed intake air temperature sensor 3
  2. Open signal or ground wire in the harness
  3. Corroded or loose sensor connector terminals
  4. Chafed or damaged wiring
  5. Rarely, an ECM fault

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes, review freeze frame data, clear the code and see if it returns.
  2. On a cold engine, compare the sensor reading with ambient temperature; they should be close.
  3. Inspect the sensor connector and harness for corrosion, cracks, chafing and a loose fit.
  4. Unplug the connector and check for reference voltage (typically about 5 V) and a good ground, using the wiring diagram.
  5. Jump the signal and ground terminals at the connector: the reading should swing to very hot. If not, look for an open in the wiring.
  6. Measure the sensor resistance and compare it to the spec for its temperature.
  7. Test the wires back to the ECM for opens and shorts to power.
  8. Suspect the ECM only after everything else checks out.

Common fixes

  • Replace intake air temperature sensor 3
  • Repair the open wire or replace the damaged harness section
  • Clean or replace the connector and terminals
  • Reprogram or replace the ECM if confirmed faulty

Questions and answers

What does P00EB mean?

It means the circuit for intake air temperature sensor 3 on bank 1 is reading high. The ECM sees more voltage than normal, most often from an open circuit, a bad connection or a failed sensor.

Can I drive with P00EB?

For a short trip, such as to a shop, usually yes. Wrong air temperature data can throw off fueling, which can reduce power and fuel economy.

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

Unplug the sensor and jumper the signal terminal to ground at the connector. If the scan tool reading changes, the wiring is likely fine and the sensor is the culprit. If nothing changes, look for an open in the harness.

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.