Fuel and air

P022A — Charge Air Cooler Bypass Control A Circuit Open

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P022A means

The engine control unit monitors the electrical circuit of the charge air cooler (intercooler) bypass valve actuator, labeled "A". This valve routes intake air around or through the intercooler to manage boost air temperature. P022A sets when the circuit reads open, meaning the voltage or current is not what a healthy circuit should show.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Loss of power or weak boost
  • Hesitation or rough idle
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Limp mode with reduced power

Possible causes

  1. Open or broken wire, or poor connection in the bypass valve circuit
  2. Failed charge air cooler bypass valve actuator
  3. Valve stuck from dirt, carbon or a mechanical obstruction
  4. Corroded or damaged connector terminals
  5. Internal PCM fault (unlikely)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Inspect the harness and connector at the valve for chafing, heat damage, corrosion and loose pins
  3. Check that the valve moves freely and nothing blocks it
  4. Measure the actuator resistance with a multimeter against the manufacturer spec
  5. Check for power and ground at the valve connector with the ignition on
  6. Test the wiring between the valve connector and the PCM for opens and shorts
  7. Command the valve with a scan tool and watch whether it responds
  8. Only after the wiring and valve test good, suspect the PCM

Common fixes

  • Repair damaged wiring or replace the connector
  • Replace the bypass valve actuator
  • Clean the valve and free its movement
  • Reflash or replace the PCM (last resort)

Questions and answers

What does P022A mean?

It means an open circuit in the charge air cooler bypass control A circuit. The PCM cannot see a normal electrical path to the valve actuator.

Can I drive with P022A?

For a short time, yes, but power is often limited. Get it diagnosed soon to avoid problems from poor boost air temperature control.

How is P022A usually fixed?

Most often the cause is wiring, a connector or the actuator itself. Check the harness and terminals first, then replace the actuator if it tests bad.

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.