Error Code P00A0: What It Means & What To Do?

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If you are struggling with issues like reduced power form the engine, increased fuel consumption, irregular throttle response and Check Engine Light on, there it might be due the OBD Error Code P00A0.

OBD-II Code Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure is defined as a Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit

A Charge Air Cooler is another term for what is known as an Intercooler usually found on turbocharged/supercharged vehicles. The air compressed by the turbocharger/supercharger becomes very hot due to high pressure. That hot air enters the Charge Air Cooler where it cools down. That cool air then enters the engine. If there was no Charge Air Cooler then the air entering the engine would be hot causing the engine to run very inefficiently and possibly causing engine knock.

The CACT (Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor) measures the air entering and exiting the intercooler. The information from the CACT (Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor) is then compared with the information from the IAT (Intake Temperature Sensor) by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). If the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects there is a problem with the electrical circuit to the CACT (Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor) a trouble code will set. Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine with cylinder 2 and if the engine is inline then there is only 1 bank.

What causes the problem with the Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit?

• Faulty PCM which is unable to read data
• Problem in Air Cooler Temperature Sensor circuit
• Open Shorted Harness of Sensor
• Poor Electrical Wiring and Connection in the Sensor

1. Engine Control Module - OBD Error Code P00A0 can also be due to faulty ECM's. It’s better to get the faulty electrical replaced as soon as possible.
2. Intercoolers - An intercooler is an intake air cooling device commonly used on turbocharged and supercharged engines. An intercooler cools the air compressed by the turbo/supercharger, reducing its temperature and thereby increasing the density of the air supplied to the engine. Visit us to buy quality intercooler today!
3. Turbocharger - A faulty turbocharger affects the air entering the engine, thus hampering the performance. Replace your old turbochargers with us!
4. Supercharger - Damaged supercharger hampers the engine power. Replace damaged supercharger and parts today!
5. Air Temperature Sensor - The Air Temperature sensor are usually exposed to air entering the engine and plays a crucial role in the performance. Replace faulty sensor now!
6. Powertrain Control Module - P00A0 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain that is not able to generate response in time causing distorted engine timing. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
7. Diagnostic Tool - In order to detect the error, one needs high grade diagnostic tools. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.

It is important to notice the symptoms before going for any type of diagnosis. Different symptoms can lead to an entirely different problem and an entirely different faulty component. Thus, proper tools need to be used by a technician to examine the vehicle before coming to the conclusion.

Common Symptoms

• Check Engine Light is On
• Vehicle running in Limp Mode for the protection of the engine
• Loss of engine power due to inefficient fuel combustion
• Increased fuel consumption

Some of the common fixes that can be used to counter the OBD Error Code P00A0 are as follows;

• Checking of the reference voltage side of the Sensor Circuit: Keep the ignition on and check for a 5-volt reference from the PCM at the charge air cooler temperature sensor terminals. Connect the meter set to ohms (with the ignition off) between the reference voltage pin on the CACT and the reference voltage pin on the PCM, if no reference signal was found. If the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that needs to be located and repaired. If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity in the circuit.
• Next you have to check that there is 5-volts coming out of the PCM at the reference voltage terminal. If there is not, then the PCM is probably faulty.
• Checking the ground side of the circuit: With the ignition off, connect the circuit between the ground terminal on the charge air cooler temperature sensor and the ground terminal on the PCM. If the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired.
• Final check includes checking if the PCM has a good ground. It is done by attaching PCM ground terminal and the chassis ground. Once again, if the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and ground that will need to be located and repaired.

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A qualified technician who has the knowledge of industrial grade diagnostic tools should be recommended for the diagnosis Error P00A0. Proper checks of the wirings and connectors as well as sensors, ECM/PCM fuel delivery system, transmission system, etc., should be done. Following are some points to be taken care of during the diagnosis.

• Visual inspection of the charge air cooler temperature sensor and the corresponding wiring should be done to check for any loose connections, damaged wiring, etc.
• Also check the charge air cooler and ducting for any damaged and do the repairs accordingly. Later check if the code reappears.
• Use a scan tool to monitor the charge air coolant temperature sensor data parameter.
• Disconnecting the CACT sensor should drop the value very low. Connect a jumper wire across the terminals, and if the scanner shows a very high temperature, that means the connections are sound and the ECM can recognize the input.
• Test the CACT sensor: After disconnecting the charge air cooler temperature sensor connector, resistance between the two sensor terminals is measured. After starting the engine, the values should decrease smoothly as the engine warms up. If engine temperature increases but CACT resistance does not decrease, the sensor is faulty and needs replacement.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P00A0

Some of the common mistakes done while changing diagnosing the OBD code P00A0 are:

Improper assessment of the CACT sensor

Simply replacing the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) without considering other possibilities of problem

Not noticing the damaged or loosened wiring and circuit problems