What it means
Generic electrical fault at the charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A (water-cooled CAC system).
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
In a water-cooled charge air cooler, sensor A measures the temperature of coolant serving the cooler that removes heat from compressed intake air. The control module monitors sensor A's electrical circuit and sets P00DE when the circuit has a general fault; this is not the engine coolant temperature sensor.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Failed charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A
- Damaged wiring or poor connector contact
- Open or short in the sensor circuit
Symptoms
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced engine performance or power
- Poor fuel economy
How to diagnose it
- Read freeze-frame data and live charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A data, and compare the reading with other available temperatures when the engine is cold.
- Locate sensor A using vehicle service information and inspect its connector and wiring for coolant contamination, corrosion, looseness, or heat damage.
- Check the sensor A circuit for opens, shorts, or poor contact using the manufacturer's wiring information.
- Test sensor A and its circuit against the manufacturer's specification to identify whether the fault is in the sensor or harness.
- If the electrical circuit checks out, inspect the charge air cooler coolant circuit for signs of poor flow or a related cooling problem.
Common fixes
- Repair damaged or poorly connected wiring at charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A.
- Replace sensor A if it fails the manufacturer's electrical test.
- Repair a charge air cooler coolant flow or heat-management fault if found.
Can I keep driving?
Drive gently and avoid heavy acceleration if engine power is reduced, since the module may be limiting boost because it cannot rely on this temperature input. Stop if the engine overheats or severe power loss develops; this code alone does not identify an engine coolant temperature fault.
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.