P00A4 Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic Bank 2 Trouble Code

P00A4 Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 2

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic Bank 2

What does that mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles that have a charge air cooler temperature sensor (Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Audi, VW, etc.). Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on make/model.

A turbocharger is basically an air pump used to force air into the engine. Inside, there are two sections: the turbine and the compressor.

 

The turbine is attached to the exhaust manifold, where it is driven by exhaust gases. The compressor attaches to the air intake. Both are connected by a shaft, so when the turbine spins, the compressor also spins, allowing intake air to be drawn into the engine. Cooler air provides denser intake charge to the engine and therefore more power. Because of this, many engines are equipped with a charge air cooler, also known as an intercooler. Charge air coolers can be either air-to-liquid or air-to-air coolers, but the function is the same – to cool air entering the intake.

A charge air cooler temperature sensor (CACT), is used to measure the temperature and therefore the density, of air entering exiting the charge air cooler. This information is sent to the powertrain control module (PCM) where it is compared to intake air temperature (and in some cases engine coolant temperature and exhaust gas recirculation temperature) to determine charge air cooler performance. The PCM sends a reference voltage (usually 5 volts) through an internal resistor. It then measures the voltage to determine charge air cooler temperature.

Note: Sometimes the CACT is part of the boost pressure sensor.

Code P00A4 is set when the PCM detects an intermittent problem with the charge air cooler temperature sensor signal. Bank 2 indicates the problem is with the second bank of the engine. That is, the bank that does not include cylinder #1.

Related bank 2 charge air cooler temperature sensor circuit diagnostic codes include:

P00A0 Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Bank 2 P00A1 Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2 P00A2 Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 2 P00A3 Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2

Code Severity & Symptoms

The severity of these codes is moderate.

Symptoms of a P00A4 engine code may include:

Illuminated check engine light Poor engine performance Decreased fuel economy Vehicle stuck in "limp" mode Diesel particulate filter regeneration inhibited (if equipped)

Causes

Possible causes for this P00A4 code include:

Faulty sensor Wiring problems Failed or restricted charge air cooler Faulty PCM

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

Begin by visually inspecting the charge air cooler temperature sensor and the corresponding wiring. Look for loose connections, damaged wiring, etc. Also, visually inspect the charge air cooler and ducting. If damage is found, repair as necessary, clear the code and see if it returns.

Next, check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) regarding the issue. If nothing is found, you will need to move forward to step by step diagnosis of the system.

The following is a generalized procedure, as testing for this code varies between vehicles. To accurately test the system, you'll want to refer to the manufacture's diagnostic flow chart.

Do some preliminary circuit testing: use a scan tool to monitor the charge air coolant temperature sensor data parameter. Disconnect the CACT sensor; the scan tool value should drop to a very low value. Next, connect a jumper wire across the terminals. If the scan tool now displays a very high tempera

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