What Codes Will This Page Cover?
- P0070 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit A
- P0071 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit A Range/Performance
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What Is the P0070 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The definition of OBD-II code P0070 is “Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit A,” and code P0071 is “Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit A Range/Performance.” These two codes are almost identical, except that P0071 is more specific. The codes indicate that your powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has detected an error with your ambient air temperature sensor circuit A. The P0070 code indicates a general error, while the P0071 code notes that the issue lies with range or performance.
More About Error Codes P0070 and P0071
Ambient air is the temperature outside the passenger compartment, usually mounted just near the front bumper. This is important for your vehicle to monitor, as the vehicle may need to adjust certain operating conditions depending on whether the air is especially warm or cold. By monitoring ambient air temperature, the vehicle can balance ambient air temperature and intake air temperature to create the most effective fuel delivery mechanism possible. Additionally, this reading is important for an automatic air conditioning system. The P0070 and P0071 codes indicate that the circuit monitoring ambient air temperature has somehow malfunctioned.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0070 Code?
Sometimes, the P0070 and P0071 codes don’t create symptoms outside of an illuminated check engine light. However, the most common symptom is a malfunctioning air conditioning system, primarily because the ambient air temperature sensor is how a vehicle with a climate control system (heat and cold air condition controls) will maintain the right temperature. Occasionally, it can also result in general issues with your instrument cluster being inaccurate and problems with the overhead console temperature reading. Finally, because this code impacts fuel metering, it may lower fuel efficiency.
What Are Some Causes of a P0070 Code?
By far, the most common cause of the P0070 and P0071 codes is simply a faulty sensor. Another very common cause is collisions; because of the sensor location, the sensor and its wiring are commonly impacted by front end collisions. However, the air temperature sensor wiring can also malfunction, resulting in this same cause. Problems can arise in the electrical and harness connectors for any sensors or wiring. Occasionally, the sensor voltage from the battery itself may not be correct, resulting in a faulty reference voltage, although this usually indicates an overall battery issue.
You may also be interested in P0113 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High
How Serious Is the P0070 Code?
You should consider OBD-II codes P0070 and P0071 seriously. If you ignore this code for quite some time, you will likely see a hard-start condition, as your vehicle may not be able to consider the ambient air temperature for its fuel monitoring. That can be a more difficult and expensive fix than initially solving the issue. Talk to an expert and fix the P0070 and P0071 codes from the beginning for the best results.
Can I Still Drive with a P0070 Code?
You shouldn’t drive with the P0070 and P0071 codes active. In most cases, you can drive, as these codes rarely result in serious drivability problems. However, continuing to drive can be uncomfortable due to issues with automatic climate control. And it can eventually result in issues with the fuel handling within your vehicle. Even if you’re not seeing any symptoms, it’s still worth checking out this set of codes.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0070 Code?
Diagnosing the P0070 and P0071 codes isn’t the most difficult thing to do. Most of the time, this code has to do with a malfunctioning sensor, meaning there are far fewer issues you’ll probably need to rule out. Cold air condition controls aren’t usually the most critical parts of the vehicle, so you may also be more comfortable diagnosing the problem as a less advanced DIYer. However, you do still need some confidence and knowledge about these codes. If you aren’t comfortable with that, talk to a certified mechanic about fixing the issue.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0070 Code?
The inspection process for these air temp sensor codes is fairly simple, although any inspection is tricky. Error codes P0070 and P0071 may require specialty tools to inspect, but the climate control head unit is often fairly easy to access and handle without worrying about a simple mistake impacting your engine function permanently. Inspecting OBD-II codes requires some knowledge, so you shouldn’t just jump into the deep end here. Talk to an expert if you’re uncertain about any component of this process.
Need Additional Help with Your P0070 Code?
You’re not alone if you need extra help with your P0070 and P0071 codes. There are plenty of people who can help you with these codes.
First, you should find an auto repair shop in your area. While you might not need to get a tow truck for the P0070 and P0071 codes, a local auto repair shop is still a great choice due to its convenience.
Other codes also frequently occur with the P0070 and P0071 diagnostic trouble codes. The OBD-II database at KBB.com can play a great role in helping you uncover what these codes mean and how to fix them.
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