VinGear VIN decoder VinGearVIN decoder, VIN lookup & history check Check a VIN

P00DA code meaning

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit B Range/Performance

Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light

What P00DA means

Ambient air temperature sensor B is a second, separate ambient temperature circuit in addition to sensor A. What the second measuring point is used for in a given vehicle could not be documented; the value may be wired directly to the control module or come over the data bus. Regulations require monitoring of such inputs because ambient temperature is often an enabling condition for other diagnostics. None of the manufacturer documents searched uses these codes; the explanation follows sensor A. P00DA: This is a plausibility fault: after a long standstill the reading is compared with other temperatures, which should then agree.

P00DA 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 P00DA

  • Wrong or missing outside temperature display
  • Climate control regulates incorrectly
  • Check engine light on (manufacturer-dependent)

Common causes of P00DA

  • PossibleSensor in a heat-affected position (engine, sun)
  • PossibleComparison sensor faulty
  • PossibleSensor drifting
  • Less likelyControl module faulty

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Ambient air temperature sensor bAmbient air temperature sensor wiring

What each part of P00DA means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
0Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls.
DAThe exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P00DA 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 P00DA

What does P00DA mean?

P00DA means "Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit B Range/Performance". Ambient air temperature sensor B is a second, separate ambient temperature circuit in addition to sensor A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P00DA?

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 P00DA fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P00DA 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 P00DA 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 P00DA 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.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 9 Oct 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P00DA