AutoCodes – Generic – P0070

P0070 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the ambient air temperature sensor with a low reference circuit and signal circuit. Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0070 indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 38,852

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 16, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0070 Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the ambient air temperature sensor with a low reference circuit and signal circuit. The ECM monitors the voltage drop across the sensor, which is inversely proportional to temperature. When the ambient air temperature is cold, the resistance of the sensor is high. When the ambient air temperature is warm, the resistance of the sensors is low. The engine control module converts the voltage value to a temperature value and sends the value to the Display Module via serial data. The Display Module displays the temperature. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P0070 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0070 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0070?

Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0070?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0070 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0070 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0070 Audi — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0070 BMW — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Malfunction
P0070 Buick — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0070 Cadillac — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0070 Chevrolet — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0070 Chrysler — Ambient Air Temperature Signal Voltage Too High/Low
P0070 Dodge — Ambient Air Temperature Signal Voltage Too High/Low
P0070 GMC — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0070 Jeep — Ambient Air Temperature Signal Voltage Too High/Low
P0070 MINI — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Malfunction
P0070 Volkswagen — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.