What it means
The Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 reading for Bank 2 is outside the expected range or does not behave as expected.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 reports the temperature at the second intake-temperature sensing point assigned to Bank 2. The control module sets P00A6 when that reading is outside its expected range or fails to respond as expected, which can indicate a drifting sensor or a loose mounting that affects the reading.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Sensor reading drifted
- Sensor element aged beyond calibration window
- Sensor mounting loose - signal damping
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Poor fuel economy
- Rough idle or hesitation
- Hard starting in some conditions
How to diagnose it
- Check freeze-frame data and compare the Bank 2 Sensor 2 reading with ambient temperature after the vehicle has sat long enough to cool.
- Watch live Sensor 2 temperature for Bank 2 during warm-up and look for a reading that stays fixed, changes implausibly, or responds unusually slowly.
- Inspect that sensor's mounting and connector for looseness, contamination, corrosion, or damage.
- Compare the Bank 2 Sensor 2 reading with other available intake-temperature readings under the same conditions to identify an outlier.
- Test the sensor and its circuit against the manufacturer's specification before replacing the sensor or suspecting the control module.
Common fixes
- Secure the Bank 2 Sensor 2 sensor in its correct mounting.
- Reconnect the sensor and clean or repair corroded connector terminals.
- Repair damaged wiring or a poor circuit connection if testing finds one.
- Replace the Bank 2 Sensor 2 if it drifts outside the manufacturer's specification.
Can I keep driving?
With a steady warning light and normal running, a short drive is generally possible, but schedule diagnosis because an inaccurate Bank 2 temperature reading can worsen fuel economy and emissions. Avoid driving if hesitation or rough running makes the vehicle difficult to control.
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.