What it means
Intermittent dropouts or noise on the charge air cooler temperature sensor signal on bank 1. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The bank 1 charge air cooler temperature sensor measures compressed intake-air temperature after cooling, helping the control module manage engine operation. This code sets when the sensor signal drops out or becomes erratic intermittently, often as a loose, damaged, or moisture-affected connection moves with vibration.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Connector loose or corroded
- Connector with intermittent contact under vibration
- Harness routed against vibrating component
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Intermittent loss of power or boost
- Poor fuel economy
How to diagnose it
- Check freeze-frame data and live bank 1 charge-air temperature for sudden jumps or dropouts, and note the engine conditions when they occur.
- Inspect the bank 1 sensor connector seal, pins, and harness for water, corrosion, pin push-back, chafing, or contact with a vibrating part.
- With live data displayed, gently move the bank 1 sensor connector and harness to see whether the reading changes or the fault returns.
- Check the sensor reference, ground, and signal continuity while flexing the harness, following the manufacturer's test procedure.
- If the wiring remains stable, test the bank 1 sensor for intermittent output under the conditions described by the manufacturer.
Common fixes
- Secure the bank 1 harness away from vibrating or sharp components.
- Clean and dry the connector, then repair its seal or damaged terminals.
- Repair chafed or broken bank 1 sensor wiring.
- Replace the bank 1 charge air cooler temperature sensor if its output drops out intermittently.
- Repair a confirmed control-module circuit fault after checking the sensor and harness.
Can I keep driving?
You may be able to drive gently if power remains consistent, but avoid hard acceleration and towing because boost or engine response may fluctuate when the signal drops out. Stop if the loss of power is sudden or makes it difficult to maintain a safe speed.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.