P00AC code meaning
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P00AC 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 P00AC, the sensor signal is below its valid range. With the usual voltage-type NTC sensor this means a short to ground, and the control module reads an extremely high temperature; some manufacturers use sensors with a frequency output, where a low signal instead corresponds to an extremely low temperature (open circuit or short to ground). Bank 2 codes occur only on engines with two separate intake or charge-air paths, one per cylinder bank.
P00AC 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 P00AC
- Check engine light on
- Usually no noticeable symptoms
- Slightly changed power or knock control with an implausible reading
Common causes of P00AC
- Most likelySensor shorted internally or signal wire shorted to ground
- PossibleConnector damp or corroded
- PossibleOn frequency-output sensors: open circuit
- Less likelyEngine control module faulty
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 P00AC 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. |
| AC | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P00AC 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 P00AC
What does P00AC mean?
P00AC means "Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low 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 P00AC?
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 P00AC fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P00AC 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 P00AC 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 P00AC 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.