OBD-II fault code

P00E1: Charge Air Cooler Coolant Temperature Sensor A Circuit High

What it means

The charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A circuit signal is above the expected range. This code does not refer to the engine coolant temperature sensor.

At a glance

  • Usually lights the check-engine light
  • Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test

How it works

The charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A reports coolant temperature in the charge air cooler circuit to the control module; it is separate from the engine coolant temperature sensor. P00E1 sets when the sensor A signal is higher than the module expects, which can happen if the signal circuit is open or an electrical connection has excessive resistance.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Signal wire open
  2. Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
  3. Supply wire pinched against B+ source

Symptoms

  • Check-engine light on
  • Reduced engine performance or power
  • Poor fuel economy

How to diagnose it

  1. Check freeze-frame data and live readings for charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A, and compare them with other temperature readings under similar conditions.
  2. Inspect sensor A’s connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, breaks, or chafing, and check whether the supply wire is touching a B+ source.
  3. With the ignition off, check the sensor A signal and supply circuits for opens or shorts using the vehicle wiring information.
  4. Test connector pin contact and circuit continuity while moving the harness gently to reveal a poor connection.
  5. If wiring and connections pass, test sensor A and its circuit against the manufacturer’s specification to locate the source of the high signal.

Common fixes

  • Repair an open or chafed wire in the sensor A circuit.
  • Clean or repair corroded connector pins and restore secure pin contact.
  • Reroute or repair a supply wire that is contacting a B+ source.
  • Replace charge air cooler coolant temperature sensor A if it fails testing.

Can I keep driving?

If the engine runs normally, a short, gentle drive may be possible, but reduced power or incorrect temperature data can affect engine control and fuel economy. Avoid hard acceleration or heavy loads if performance is reduced, and stop if the engine shows signs of overheating.

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.

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