P0071 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The OBD-II error code P0071 is defined as a Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Range/Performance. It helps the engine control module to decide how much amount of fuel should be used on start up. This signal is also used by the powertrain control module to detect an issue with the signal coming from the sensor and will then set the P0071 trouble code.

This trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module has received some abnormal signal from the ambient air temperature sensor. If its reading exceeds the perceived temperature of the intake air, then due to this a code would be stored in the powertrain control module and would give rise to the illumination of a service engine soon lamp.

What causes this problem with the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Range/Performance?

• The signal circuit to the AAT sensor might be opened up
• The voltage circuit to the AAT sensor might be opened up
• Short to ground in the signal circuit to the AAT sensor
• The AAT sensor might be faulty
• The power control module may start failing

1. Engine Control Module - OBD Error Code P0071 can also be due to faulty ECMs. It’s better to get the faulty engine control module replaced as soon as possible.
2. Braking System - Faulty Braking System can flash and store wrong OBD error. It’s better to get the faulty Braking System parts replaced as soon as possible.
3. Climate Control Module - P0071 error code also relates to problems with the Climate Control Module. Find all the Climate Control Module related parts with us.
4. Coolant Temperature Sensor - OBD Code P0071 can flash if the Coolant Temperature Sensor is damaged. You must replace it with a brand new one online with us.
5. Air-Conditioning Compressor - Did your mechanic just found out that there is some fault in the Air-Conditioning Compressor? Buy top notch Air-Conditioning Compressor parts from us at economical prices.
6. Indicator Light - Indicator Light is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0071 code may start flashing.
7. Instrument Cluster - Instrument Cluster can cause a lot of difficulties, so why not get it replaced at time?

The most common symptom of the P0071 trouble code is the illumination of a check engine light. There are some chances that the climate control system can stop working which would indicate that there is some issue with the ambient air temperature sensor.

Common Symptoms

• The malfunction indicator light may be turned on
• The car air conditioning may not be functioning properly
• The outside temperature is not read accurately by the instrument cluster
• The overhead console may not be able to read the outside temperature accurately
  

• You must repair or replace the wires which shorts or some breaks
• If there is some sort of corrosion in the electric circuitry or connector, then it should be cleaning properly
• There might be some faults in the ambient air temperature sensor
• The can be faults in the ambient air temperature sensor, so it must be replaced

At Parts Avatar Canada, find the best quality replacement and performance parts at the best price in the market to correctly diagnose the OBD Code P0071 error.

The first and the foremost step which you have to perform while diagnosing the P0071 error code is to record the freeze frame data and the present diagnostic trouble codes. You can use an OBD-II scanner for this.

Now once you have seen the P0071 trouble code on the OBD-II scanner, then you must inspect the wiring and connectors going to the ambient air temperature sensor for shorts, breaks, and corrosion in the circuitry and/or connector. You must make sure that there isn’t anything covering the sensor, which can be the reason behind the appearing of P0071 code.

Now once you have inspected these components and repairing and/or replacing as needed, then you must clear the error code and the vehicle should be taken out for a test drive. Now after performing this part of the diagnostic process you will be fully ensured that the issue of the ambient air temperature sensor has been resolved and there are no other problems related to P0071 trouble code.

Now if P0071 diagnostic trouble code quickly returns during the test drive, then you have to replace the ambient air temperature sensor. If the P0071 diagnostic trouble code returns, but the return is not immediate, an intermittent problem has been indicated and further diagnosis of the voltage going to the PCM would be needed.

There are very rare chances that the above diagnostic measures do not resolve the ambient air temperature sensor issue and it would indicate that there is some issue with the Power Control Module.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0071 Code

Before you start replacing the sensor, you must make sure to carefully inspect the ambient air temperature sensor wiring and connector. But generally people get the ambient air temperature sensor replaced, when the defect is actually in the wiring or the connector which can resolve the P0071 error code by getting replaced.