What it means
The intake air temperature sensor 3 circuit signal on bank 2 is intermittent or erratic.
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 3 on bank 2 supplies an air temperature signal to the engine control module. This code sets when the bank 2 sensor 3 signal becomes intermittent or erratic, commonly because vibration interrupts contact at the connector or harness.
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
- Reduced engine performance or power
- Intermittent changes in engine performance
How to diagnose it
- Save freeze-frame data and watch bank 2 sensor 3 live data for dropouts or abrupt changes compared with other temperature readings.
- Inspect its connector for looseness, corrosion, damaged locking features, and terminals that have moved back in the housing.
- Follow the bank 2 sensor 3 harness and check for rubbing or contact with a vibrating component.
- With live data visible, gently move the connector and harness to see whether the reading changes as the fault is reproduced.
- Check circuit continuity and terminal fit while moving the harness, then test the sensor against the manufacturer's specification.
Common fixes
- Secure the bank 2 sensor 3 connector and harness.
- Clean corroded terminals or replace damaged connector pins.
- Reroute and secure the harness away from vibration and abrasion.
- Replace the sensor if its signal remains erratic with good wiring and connector contact.
Can I keep driving?
Drive gently only if the engine remains predictable, and arrange a prompt diagnosis if performance changes recur. Avoid long trips when power drops intermittently because the changing bank 2 temperature signal can make engine response inconsistent.
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.