P00AB
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Low severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 0
- AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
- AB
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P00AB is the generic code for an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 1 circuit range or performance fault on bank 2. The control unit has seen a signal from this sensor that is plausible electrically but does not agree with expected values, for example it is stuck, slow to respond or far from other temperature readings. The exact location of 'sensor 1, bank 2' and the plausibility test used depend on the engine, so check the manufacturer's data for your model.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Rough or unstable idle
- Hesitation or reduced power under load
- Poor fuel economy
- Hard starting when cold or hot
- Possible limp-home behaviour on some engines
Possible causes
- Faulty intake air temperature sensor on bank 2 reading out of range or responding slowlylikely
- Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector at the sensorlikely
- High resistance in the sensor signal or ground circuitpossible
- Sensor contaminated by oil, water or debris, or heat soak from nearby componentspossible
- Air leak or induction fault upstream affecting the temperature readingpossible
- Fault in the engine control unit's sensor inputrare
- Outdated or faulty control unit calibration, where the manufacturer has issued a known fix for this coderare
How to diagnose
- Read the stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine temperature, load and intake air temperature when the fault set, and note any other temperature or airflow codes.
- Inspect the bank 2 intake air temperature sensor, its connector and wiring for damage, chafing, moisture, corrosion or oil contamination.
- Compare live intake air temperature readings with ambient and coolant temperature on a cold engine; they should be close after the car has stood overnight.
- Compare the bank 2 reading with the bank 1 sensor if fitted, and watch the reading as the engine warms and under load to check it responds smoothly.
- Check the sensor's resistance against the manufacturer's temperature table, if the sensor is of the resistance type.
- Check the sensor supply, signal and ground circuits for continuity, short circuits and voltage drop, referring to the wiring diagram for the model.
- Inspect the intake ducting for leaks, loose clamps or damage that could affect the reading.
- Check for technical service bulletins or calibration updates for this code on the engine concerned.
How to fix
- Replace the intake air temperature sensor if it is out of specification or slow to respond.
- Repair or replace damaged wiring, terminals or connectors, and clean or treat corrosion properly.
- Repair any high resistance in the signal or ground circuit.
- Clean away contamination only if the manufacturer allows it, and fix the source of the oil or moisture.
- Repair intake leaks or damaged ducting.
- Apply a manufacturer calibration update only if a bulletin confirms it applies to this fault.
Can I keep driving?
The car can usually be driven short term, but book it in soon because the incorrect temperature reading can affect fuelling and economy. If it runs badly or goes into limp mode, have it checked sooner.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.