P00A1 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

<<See All OBD Codes

Is your car engine stalling and not starting? Is there an increase in the fuel consumption? Have you lost the response from the engine with sudden downfall in acceleration? All these can be an indication towards P00A1.

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

If the air entering the engine is not to the optimal temperature, it will straight away affect the combustion process due to wrong fuel/air mixture ratio and density, resulting the loss of proper response from the engine.

The Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensors tell the engine control module (PCM) the temperature of the air going into an out of the charge air cooler assembly. The function of the Charge Air Cooler Assembly is to cool the air coming out of the turbocharger before it goes into the engine. If the PCM detects an incorrect signal from the Charge Air Cooler Sensor, the PCM will set code P00A1.

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

• Fault in the CACT (Charge Air Cooler Temperature) sensor
• Damaged and loose wiring and connectors
• Charge Air Cooler is not functioning properly
• PCM circuit problem with system error

1. Engine Control Module - Faulty ECM can flash and store wrong OBD error. It’s better to get the faulty electrical replaced as soon as possible.
2. Intercoolers - 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 - Turbocharger increases an internal combustion engine's efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. Replace your old turbochargers with us!
4. Supercharger - Supercharger is an air compressor that increase the air pressure or density of air supplied to an internal combustion engine. Replace damaged supercharger and parts today!
5. Air Temperature Sensor - The Air Temperature sensor measures the air entering the engine and the fault can hamper the engine performance. Replace faulty sensor now!
6. Powertrain Control Module - Damaged PCM hampers the engine timing. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
7. Diagnostic Tool - Find high grade diagnostic tools to detect the OBD error code from us. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.

P00A1 error indicated the issue relation to the intercoolers and air temperature sensors. Although it is difficult to track it problem, but few symptoms are indicative enough to raise the issue. Some symptoms are listed below;

• Illumination of Check Engine Light
• Inefficient engine performance and response
• Increased fuel consumption
• Limp mode on to protect the engine from further damage
• Inhibited fuel particulate filter regeneration

Some of the components that are directly affected and can be examined first to detect the problem and solve it are mentioned below.

• Replacement CACT (Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor) – It is the prime component that keeps the check on the temperature of the air entering the engine and coordinated with the ECM.
• Bad wiring to the CACT (Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor) can be the first reason for the sensor’s fault and for the Error P00A1 to flash.
• PCM (Powertrain Control Module) – If all the other tests deemed out to be perfect, then the PCM should be checked for faults and replaced if necessary.

Find best quality replacement parts, fuel delivery system parts, exhaust manifolds, gaskets and more at the best prices.

Look for loose connections, damaged wiring, etc., by visually inspecting the charge air cooler temperature sensor and the wirings. Also check for damages to the charge air cooler and ducting, repair if needed, clear the code and see if it returns.

• Test the sensor circuit for any error in reading the data. If the scan tools see significant increase the numbers after detaching the CACT and using jump wires to the terminal that means that the circuit is fine and the data is being read correctly by the ECM.
• A faulty sensor can also affect the performance of the engine. If the engine temperature increases but CACT resistance does not decrease, the sensor is faulty and should be replaced.
• 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.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P00A1

Always take assistance of a qualified technician to know the problem to this error. Never lose sight of the symptoms and never be in hurry to come to a conclusion as sometimes very small issue can lead to flashing of the OBD errors. Some of the major mistakes related to code P00A1 are mentioned below.

• Replacement of the CACT sensor without checking the associated wirings and terminals
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) replacement without inspecting the sensors and data transmission units
• Worn out and damaged wiring and connectors not checked and replaced