P0096 code meaning
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0096 means
Intake air temperature sensor 2 is the second air temperature sensor in the intake path. On many turbocharged engines it sits in the intake manifold behind the compressor and charge air cooler, often combined with the manifold pressure sensor, and is used to calculate cylinder filling and ignition timing. The numbering is not standardised, so its position can differ between manufacturers. P0096 is a plausibility check: at a start after a long standstill the sensor is compared with intake air temperature sensor 1 and others, which should then agree; some systems also flag implausibly high readings while driving. A sensor stuck at one value is detected this way.
P0096 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0096
- Check engine light on
- Usually no noticeable symptoms
- Slightly changed power or retarded ignition possible
Common causes of P0096
- Most likelySensor drifting or coated with oil or soot from crankcase and exhaust gas recirculation
- PossibleContact resistance at the connector
- PossibleComparison sensor faulty
- Less likelyHeat soak or leak in the intake manifold
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Intake air temperature sensor 2Intake air temperature sensor wiringManifold absolute pressure sensor
What each part of P0096 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 96 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0096 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0096
What does P0096 mean?
P0096 means "Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1". Intake air temperature sensor 2 is the second air temperature sensor in the intake path. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0096?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0096 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0096 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0096 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0096 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.