P00DF

What it means

P00DF means the engine control unit has judged the signal from charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A to be implausible, even though the circuit is not open or shorted. The sensor sits in the separate coolant circuit of a liquid-cooled charge air cooler (intercooler). The control unit compares its reading with expected values, such as engine coolant temperature, intake air temperature, soak time after a cold start, or how quickly the temperature should change. It sets the code when the reading is stuck, drifts or does not match.

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Reduced power or limp mode as the control unit limits boost
• Poor performance or hesitation under load, especially in hot weather
• Cooling fan or charge cooler pump running more or less than normal
• Temperature gauge or live data showing an odd or unchanging charge cooler coolant temperature

Possible causes

• Faulty or drifting charge air cooler coolant temperature sensorlikely
• Low coolant level or air trapped in the charge cooler circuit, giving false or unstable readingslikely
• Charge cooler coolant pump not working or running at the wrong time, so coolant is not circulatinglikely
• Wiring or connector problems at the sensor, such as high resistance, corrosion or a poor pin fitpossible
• Blocked or restricted low-temperature cooling circuit, including the radiator, hoses or a stuck valvepossible
• Sensor fitted in the wrong place or a poorly seated sensorrare
• Fault in the control unit or an outdated calibration, where the manufacturer lists it as a known causerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data. Note engine speed, load and temperatures when the code set. Look for related codes, such as pump or other temperature sensor faults.
2. Check the coolant level in the charge cooler circuit when the engine is cold. This circuit is often separate from the main engine circuit, so check the model's layout. Look for leaks and for signs of air in the system.
3. Inspect the sensor, its connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, water ingress or chafing. Check that the terminals are tight.
4. With a cold engine that has soaked overnight, compare live data from this sensor with engine coolant and intake air temperature. They should be close.
5. Watch the sensor reading as the engine warms up and under load. Look for a stuck value, sudden jumps or a very slow response compared with other sensors.
6. Check that the charge cooler coolant pump runs when commanded, using a scan tool activation test if the model supports it. Also check its fuses, relay and power supply.
7. Measure the sensor resistance or signal voltage against the manufacturer's temperature figures, and check the wiring for continuity and for shorts to earth or voltage.
8. Check the circuit for blockages. Feel for temperature differences across the cooler and hoses, and check for valve operation as the model requires.

How to fix

• Replace the charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor if its readings are out of specification or unstable.
• Top up or refill the charge cooler circuit with the correct coolant and bleed it using the manufacturer's procedure. Repair any leaks found.
• Repair or replace a faulty charge cooler coolant pump, or its relay, fuse or wiring.
• Repair damaged wiring, terminals or connectors in the sensor circuit.
• Clear any blockage or replace faulty components in the low-temperature cooling circuit, such as the radiator, hoses or valves.
• If the manufacturer lists a calibration update for this fault, have it applied. Otherwise, check the control unit only after all other causes are ruled out.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P00DEGenericCharge Air Cooler Coolant Temperature Sensor A Circuit
• P00E0GenericCharge Air Cooler Coolant Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low