P00E5: Intake Air Temperature/Fuel Temperature Correlation

What it means

The intake air and fuel temperature readings do not correlate as expected. The code indicates a disagreement between readings, but does not identify which sensor is at fault.

At a glance

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

How it works

The control module compares intake air temperature with fuel temperature to check whether the readings are plausible together. P00E5 sets when the two readings do not correlate as expected; the code alone does not show which sensor or circuit is responsible.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Intake air temperature sensor reading incorrectly
2. Fuel temperature sensor reading incorrectly
3. Wiring or connector fault at either sensor

Symptoms

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

How to diagnose it

1. Review freeze-frame and live data for intake air and fuel temperatures, and compare them under conditions when their readings should be plausible together.
2. Inspect the intake air temperature sensor and fuel temperature sensor connectors and wiring for damage, corrosion, or poor contact.
3. Check whether either reading is implausible compared with ambient conditions or other temperature readings before replacing a sensor.
4. Test each sensor’s circuit for opens, shorts, and connector contact problems using the vehicle wiring information.
5. If the circuits appear sound, test both sensors against the manufacturer’s specification to identify which reading is inaccurate.

Common fixes

• Repair damaged or corroded wiring or connector contacts at the sensor with the implausible reading.
• Secure or repair a loose connector at the intake air temperature or fuel temperature sensor.
• Replace the intake air temperature sensor if it fails testing.
• Replace the fuel temperature sensor if it fails testing.

Can I keep driving?

If the engine runs normally, a short drive may be possible, but inaccurate temperature inputs can reduce performance and fuel economy. Avoid heavy loads if power is reduced, and address the fault before relying on the vehicle for demanding driving.