P00AB code meaning
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P00AB means
Intake air temperature sensor 1 for bank 2 measures the intake air temperature in the second intake path, typically near the air filter or in the air flow meter of that bank, on engines with two separate intake paths. For P00AB, this is a plausibility check: at a start after a long standstill the sensor is compared with other temperature sensors (for example coolant temperature or the matching sensor of the other bank), which should then agree. Bank 2 codes occur only on engines with two separate intake or charge-air paths, one per cylinder bank.
P00AB at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P00AB
- Check engine light on
- Usually no noticeable symptoms
- Emissions test or readiness check may fail
Common causes of P00AB
- Most likelySensor drifting or coated with oil or soot
- PossibleContact resistance at the connector
- PossibleComparison sensor faulty
- Less likelyEngine block heater or auxiliary heater distorting the start comparison
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 1 bank2Intake air temperature sensor wiring
What each part of P00AB 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. |
| AB | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P00AB 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 P00AB
What does P00AB mean?
P00AB means "Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2". Intake air temperature sensor 1 for bank 2 measures the intake air temperature in the second intake path, typically near the air filter or in the air flow meter of that bank, on engines with two separate intake paths. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P00AB?
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 P00AB fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P00AB 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 P00AB to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P00AB 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.