On-board diagnostic (OBD) codes are designed to help mechanics and drivers identify potential issues in a vehicle. But before attempting any fixes to resolve these codes, it’s important to know exactly what they mean.
The P0070 code is one of the thousands of error codes that may be set by your vehicle’s primary computer. Read on to learn more about its possible triggers and common symptoms.
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0070 stands for “Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit.” It is logged when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a potential issue in the ambient air temperature sensor or the sensor’s circuit.
Code P0070 comes from a family of codes, all pointing to issues with the ambient air temp sensor:
The ambient air temperature sensor monitors ambient air and sends the data it has gathered to the PCM. This information is used to display outside air temperature and to modify the operation of the automatic climate control system (if needed).
However, if the information sent by the ambient air temperature sensor varies significantly from the input of the intake air temperature (IAT) and engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensors, the PCM will recognize this as a discrepancy and log code P0070.
If you have a Ford (especially a Ford Focus), BMW, Volkswagen, or Mini, your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics may register code P0070, and you must have the issue checked by a technician as soon as possible.
Note: The definition of code P0070 may be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.
Code P006B can be set for a number of reasons. Here are the most common:
You may notice the following symptoms if you drive a vehicle with a stored P0070 trouble code:
Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician: If your scan tool gives live data, pull up the ECT, IAT, and TOT PIDS (Engine Coolant, Intake Air, and Transmission Oil Temps) and compare them with each other after the vehicle has been sitting for three or four hours and make sure they all agree within a degree or two. If a sensor doesn’t agree with the other two, it bears investigation.
Note, however, that diagnosing code P0070 may be tricky, as it is a generic code with several possible causes. A good rule of thumb is to only follow the diagnostic procedures specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. This is because the process may vary from model to model. For instance, the process for diagnosing a code P0070 on a BMW may not be the same as the process for diagnosing a code P0070 on a VW.
Refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual for the appropriate diagnostic strategies. If you don’t have much experience when it comes to DIY automotive repair, it may be best to leave this job to the experts.
P0070 may share similar triggers and symptoms with other trouble codes. However, that does not mean they share solutions as well. All vehicles are different, so you should always refer to the factory repair information specific to your car before DIY-ing any repairs.
Consult a repair manual or repair databasebefore attempting any fixes. Look for confirmed solutions that are specific to your vehicle. If you aren’t confident in your automotive repair skills, it may be best to enlist the help of a professional.
When the scan tool logs the P0070 code, it’s usually worth checking the ambient air temperature sensor. It’s the usual culprit besides PCM issues and circuit problems. If you need to replace it to clear the trouble code, you won’t have any trouble finding a great replacement at CarParts.com!
We source our products from trusted manufacturers in the industry, so you’re sure to get durable replacement ambient air temperature sensors. To start shopping, enter your ride’s year, make, and model into our vehicle selector to view compatible parts. Then, further personalize the selection based on your needs using the search filters.
It only takes a few clicks to place your order and a few days to get it delivered straight to your doorstep. After all, our products are on hand and ready to ship from a warehouse near you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us via our toll-free hotline for assistance.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.