What Does P00A0 Mean?
The PCM has detected a general malfunction in the charge air cooler (intercooler) temperature sensor circuit on bank 2. This sensor monitors the temperature of compressed air after the intercooler in forced-induction engines. A circuit fault means the PCM cannot accurately determine intercooler outlet temperature, which affects boost control and fuel trim calculations. The driver may notice reduced power, increased turbo lag, or an illuminated check engine light.
Common Causes
35%
Failed charge air cooler temperature sensor (open or shorted internally)
25%
Damaged or corroded wiring in the sensor circuit
20%
Poor connector contact due to vibration, corrosion, or backed-out pins
10%
PCM internal fault on the bank 2 CAC temperature sensor input
10%
Incorrect sensor installed after recent repair (wrong resistance curve)
Diagnostic Steps
1
Read the bank 2 charge air cooler temperature PID with the engine cold — it should match ambient temperature (within 5°F/3°C). A reading of -40°F indicates an open circuit; a reading of 280°F+ indicates a short to ground.
2
Disconnect the CAC temperature sensor on bank 2 and measure resistance across the sensor terminals — compare to the manufacturer's resistance chart (typically ~2.5 kΩ at 68°F/20°C for NTC type).
3
With the sensor unplugged, measure resistance from each harness-side pin to ground and to B+ to check for shorts in the wiring (both should read infinite).
4
Inspect the sensor connector for moisture, corrosion, or pushed-back terminal pins — the intercooler area is exposed to road spray and temperature cycling.
5
If the sensor and wiring test good, check the PCM connector pins for the bank 2 CAC temperature circuit and verify 5V reference voltage is present.
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $350
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The PCM has detected a general malfunction in the charge air cooler (intercooler) temperature sensor circuit on bank 2. This sensor monitors the temperature of compressed air after the intercooler in forced-induction engines. A circuit fault means the PCM cannot accurately determine intercooler outl...
The most common cause of P00A0 (Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Bank 2) is: Failed charge air cooler temperature sensor (open or shorted internally)
Typical repair costs for P00A0 range from $75 to $350, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Driving is generally safe short-term but the PCM may use default values that reduce boost or enrich the fuel mixture. Prolonged driving could lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption. Extended operation without accurate charge air temperature data could allow overboost or detonation under certain conditions.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P00A0 to identify the root cause.
OBDHut Mobile App
Scan codes directly from your car with the OBDHut app.
Coming Soon
Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Forced Induction / Turbocharger System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.
