AutoCodes – Ford – P0073 2018 Ford F150

P0073 2018 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

Quick Answer

The Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) 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
P0073 2018 Ford F150 indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 1,093
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 08, 2023
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0073 2018 Ford F150 Description

The Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. The resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases, and the resistance increases as the temperature decreases. The varying resistance affects the voltage drop across the sensor pins and provides electrical signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) corresponding to temperature.
Thermistor type sensors are considered passive sensors. A passive sensor is connected to a voltage divider network so that varying the resistance of the passive sensor causes a variation in total current flow. Voltage that is dropped across a fixed resistor in series with the sensor resistor determines the voltage signal at the PCM. This voltage signal is equal to the reference voltage minus the voltage drop across the fixed resistor.
The AAT sensor provides ambient air temperature information to the PCM for the temperature sensor correlation tests. The PCM also communicates the AAT sensor information to all other modules on the controller area network (CAN).
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when the ambient air temperature (AAT) sensor signal is greater than the self-test maximum.
OBDII Code P0073 2018 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High - AutoCodes.com
P0073 2018 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0073 2018 Ford F150?

  • Faulty Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor
  • Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0073 2018 Ford F150?

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 P0073 2018 Ford F150 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 P0073 2018 Ford F150 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0073 2018 Ford F150 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0073 2018 Ford F150 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 P0073 2018 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0073 in a 2018 Ford F150?

The common symptoms of P0073 include inaccurate ambient air temperature readings on the vehicle's display, illuminated check engine light, and potential issues with the climate control system.

2. What does the OBDII code P0073 on a 2018 Ford F150 indicate?

OBDII code P0073 indicates a malfunction in the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A', specifically a high input signal detected by the sensor.

3. What are the possible causes of the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' high error code in a 2018 Ford F150?

Possible causes of P0073 include a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the sensor's placement or calibration.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0073 in my 2018 Ford F150?

Diagnosing P0073 involves checking the ambient air temperature sensor's wiring and connectors for damage, testing the sensor's resistance and output signal, and verifying the sensor's placement for proper operation.

5. Can I continue driving my 2018 Ford F150 with OBDII code P0073 triggered?

It is generally safe to drive with P0073 as long as there are no noticeable performance issues or other warning lights illuminated. However, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to avoid potential complications.

6. How do I repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' high error in my 2018 Ford F150?

Repairing P0073 may involve replacing the ambient air temperature sensor if it is faulty, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or repositioning the sensor for accurate readings.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0073 in my 2018 Ford F150 make it go away permanently?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the check engine light, but if the underlying issue causing P0073 is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear upon subsequent diagnostic scans.

8. Can extreme weather conditions affect the triggering of OBDII code P0073 in a 2018 Ford F150?

Extreme weather conditions, such as excessively high or low temperatures, can potentially impact the ambient air temperature sensor's readings and contribute to the triggering of P0073.

9. Is it possible to prevent OBDII code P0073 from recurring in my 2018 Ford F150?

Regularly inspecting and maintaining the ambient air temperature sensor, ensuring proper wiring connections, and keeping the sensor clean from debris can help prevent the recurrence of P0073 in your Ford F150.

10. How much can I expect to pay for repairs related to OBDII code P0073 in a 2018 Ford F150?

The cost of repairs for P0073 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and cost estimate for repairing the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' high error.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0073 2018 Ford F150 OBDII Code

Code P0073 2018 Ford F150 comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play