Code
P007A
Generic
P — Powertrain
Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Bank 1
Views:
UK: 17
EN: 19
RU: 21
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted charge air cooler temperature sensor (Bank 1)
- Damaged, corroded, or disconnected sensor connector
- Broken, shorted, or chafed wiring between sensor and PCM
- Poor or intermittent sensor ground or reference voltage
- Contaminated or failed sensor (thermistor out of spec)
- Faulty PCM or internal circuit fault (less common)
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
- Reduced engine performance or limp mode on some vehicles
- Erratic intake temperature readings in scan tool/live data
- Poor fuel trim or drivability complaints under boost conditions
- Possible increased emissions or failed readiness for emissions test
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame and live data for charge air cooler temperature and related sensors (intake air temp, ambient temp, coolant temp)
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out, or water intrusion
- Backprobe sensor connector and verify reference voltage (usually 5 V) and ground continuity to PCM
- Measure sensor resistance at known ambient temperature and compare to specification or verify expected change with heating/cooling
- Check for diagnostic trouble codes that could be related (IAT, ECT, wiring faults) and perform component-specific tests
- Wiggle test wiring while monitoring voltage/resistance/live data to find intermittent faults
Signal parameters
- Typical thermistor sensor output: resistance varies with temperature (NTC: resistance decreases as temperature rises)
- Expected voltage signal to PCM typically falls within roughly 0.5–4.5 V depending on temperature and vehicle design
- Open-circuit condition: very high resistance or OL and voltage near reference or supply rail depending on circuit
- Short to ground: near 0 V signal
- Short to battery: signal near supply voltage (e.g., ~5 V) depending on circuit
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify DTC and capture freeze frame and live data for charge air cooler temp and related sensors (IAT/MAF/boost).
- Visually inspect the charge air cooler sensor, mounting, and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, oil, or moisture intrusion. Repair obvious issues.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector and check for correct reference voltage from PCM and a good ground. Reference is commonly 5 V; confirm expected value in service data.
- Measure sensor resistance at ambient temperature. If spec is available, compare to chart; otherwise verify resistance changes when warmed (with warm air) or cooled (with ice) — resistance should change predictably for an NTC sensor.
- Check continuity between sensor ground pin and PCM ground, and between sensor signal pin and PCM signal pin to rule out wiring opens/shorts. Check for shorts to battery or ground.
- If wiring and connector checks OK but signal is out of range, replace the charge air cooler temperature sensor and retest. Clear codes and perform a road test to confirm the code does not return.
- If code returns after sensor replacement, perform PCM circuit-level diagnostics: inspect harness for internal shorts, perform wiggle testing under load, and consider PCM input circuit evaluation or module replacement per manufacturer guidance.
Likely causes
- Disconnected or corroded connector at the intercooler temperature sensor
- Wiring harness damage from heat, routing, or mechanical abrasion near charge air cooler
- Sensor failure due to exposure to oil/contaminants or age
- Intermittent ground or poor pin contact at connector
Fault status
Status
Stored when the PCM detects the charge air cooler (intercooler) temperature sensor signal is outside the expected range or the circuit has an open/short condition for Bank 1 for a defined number of drive cycles.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-1.5 hours
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