What it means
The control module monitors the charge air cooler coolant pump A control circuit. It sets this code when it detects an open circuit in that control circuit.
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 pump A circulates coolant to remove heat from compressed intake air, and the control module monitors the pump’s control circuit. P023A sets when the module detects an open in that circuit, such as a broken wire or a terminal that has lost contact.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Wiring break
- Pin pushed back out of connector body
- Cracked solder joint inside the module or sensor
Symptoms
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced engine power or acceleration
- Poor turbo response
- Reduced fuel economy
How to diagnose it
- Record freeze-frame data and check scan-tool data for charge-air cooler pump A command or status when the fault is present.
- Locate pump A using the service information and inspect its connector and harness for a broken wire, loose pin, corrosion, or damage from heat or vibration.
- Check the pump A control circuit for continuity and inspect for a pin pushed back into the connector body.
- Using the wiring diagram, test the control circuit and its power and ground paths as applicable, comparing results with the manufacturer’s specification.
- If the wiring is intact, test pump A and the module’s control output using the manufacturer’s diagnostic procedure.
Common fixes
- Reconnect the pump A plug and secure any loose terminals.
- Repair a broken wire or damaged connector in the pump A control circuit.
- Replace charge air cooler coolant pump A if it fails the specified operational test.
- Repair a failed control-module output only after confirming the circuit and pump are sound.
Can I keep driving?
If engine power or turbo response is reduced, avoid sustained high load, towing, and hard acceleration because charge-air cooling may be impaired. Stop if the engine overheats or power loss makes it unsafe to continue.
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.