AutoCodes – MINI – P0071 MINI

P0071 MINI Code - Ambient Sensor Rationality Check

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor. 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: P0071 MINI indicates Ambient Sensor Rationality Check.
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 3,529

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 Oct 25, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0071 MINI Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P0071 MINI - Ambient Sensor Rationality Check - AutoCodes.com — P0071 MINI Code - Ambient Sensor Rationality Check

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0071 MINI?

Faulty ambient air temperature sensor
Ambient air temperature sensor harness is open or shorted
Ambient air temperature sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0071 MINI?

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 P0071 MINI 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 P0071 MINI code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0071 MINI code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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Get the P0071 MINI code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0071 MINI Code

1. What is OBDII code P0071 on a MINI?

Code P0071 on a MINI indicates an Ambient Sensor Rationality Check error, which means there is an issue with the ambient air temperature sensor.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0071 in a MINI?

Common symptoms of code P0071 include inaccurate outside temperature readings on the dashboard, issues with the climate control system, and potential impact on fuel efficiency.

3. What can cause OBDII code P0071 to trigger in a MINI?

Code P0071 can be triggered by a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors related to the sensor, or a problem with the sensor's calibration.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0071 in my MINI?

Diagnosing code P0071 involves checking the ambient air temperature sensor for proper operation, inspecting the sensor wiring and connectors for damage, and ensuring the sensor is calibrated correctly.

5. Can I drive my MINI with OBDII code P0071?

It is generally safe to drive your MINI with code P0071, but you may experience issues with the climate control system and inaccurate temperature readings until the problem is resolved.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0071 in my MINI?

To repair code P0071, you may need to replace the ambient air temperature sensor if it is faulty, repair any damaged wiring or connectors, and recalibrate the sensor if necessary.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0071 in a MINI?

Depending on your mechanical skills and access to tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to replace the ambient air temperature sensor and perform basic wiring repairs to address code P0071.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code P0071 in my MINI make it go away?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the error, but if the underlying issue causing code P0071 is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear after driving the vehicle for some time.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0071 in a MINI?

The cost to repair code P0071 can vary depending on the cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor if you take your MINI to a mechanic.

10. Is OBDII code P0071 a serious problem in a MINI?

Code P0071 is not a critical issue that affects the drivability or safety of your MINI, but it can lead to inconvenience and potential issues with the climate control system if left unresolved.