What it means
The control module monitors the Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 signal for Bank 2 and sets this code when the signal changes erratically or drops out intermittently. This indicates an unstable circuit signal, but does not by itself identify whether the sensor, connector, or wiring is at fault.
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 1 measures air temperature at the sensing point designated Sensor 1 for Bank 2. The control module watches for a stable signal and sets P00AE when that signal changes erratically or drops out, often due to a loose or corroded connector or a harness disturbed by 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
- Possible hesitation or reduced power
- Fuel economy may worsen
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame data and fault history to note when the Bank 2 Sensor 1 signal became erratic.
- Watch live Sensor 1 temperature for Bank 2 while gently moving its connector and harness to see whether the reading jumps or drops out.
- Inspect the connector for looseness, corrosion, or damaged terminals, and check whether the harness rubs against a vibrating component.
- Test the Sensor 1 circuit for intermittent opens or shorts while moving the harness, following the manufacturer's procedure.
- If the wiring and connector remain stable, test the Bank 2 Sensor 1 element against the manufacturer's specification.
Common fixes
- Secure the loose Bank 2 Sensor 1 connector.
- Clean corroded terminals or replace terminals that cannot maintain contact.
- Reroute and secure a harness that rubs or vibrates against another component.
- Repair an intermittent open or short in the Sensor 1 wiring.
- Replace the Bank 2 Sensor 1 if its signal remains erratic after circuit repairs.
Can I keep driving?
If the engine runs normally and the warning light is steady, limit driving to necessary trips until the intermittent fault is found. Stop if hesitation or reduced power makes driving unsafe, as the signal may drop out again.
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.