AutoCodes – Ford – P0073 2020 Ford F150

P0073 2020 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 2020 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.
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Code Popularity 906
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 08, 2023
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Code P0073 2020 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 2020 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High - AutoCodes.com
P0073 2020 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0073 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Ford F150 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0073 2020 Ford F150 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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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 2020 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0073 in a 2020 Ford F150?

The common symptoms of P0073 include inaccurate ambient air temperature readings on the dashboard, incorrect climate control operation, and potential issues with the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

2. What could cause the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High error code in a 2020 Ford F150?

The P0073 code in a 2020 Ford F150 is often triggered by a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the sensor's electrical circuit.

3. How serious is the P0073 code in a 2020 Ford F150?

While the P0073 code may not cause immediate drivability issues, it can affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency over time. It is recommended to address the underlying problem to prevent further complications.

4. Can I continue driving my 2020 Ford F150 with the P0073 code present?

It is generally safe to drive your Ford F150 with the P0073 code, but it is advisable to address the issue promptly to avoid potential long-term impacts on the vehicle's performance and fuel economy.

5. What are some DIY repair tips for fixing the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High error in a 2020 Ford F150?

DIY repair tips include checking the sensor and its wiring for any visible damage, ensuring proper connection of the sensor, and clearing the error code with an OBDII scanner to see if it reoccurs.

6. How can a mechanic diagnose the P0073 code in a 2020 Ford F150?

A mechanic can diagnose the P0073 code by using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific error code, testing the ambient air temperature sensor and its circuit for faults, and inspecting the sensor's wiring and connectors.

7. Is it necessary to replace the ambient air temperature sensor to fix the P0073 code in a 2020 Ford F150?

In many cases, replacing the ambient air temperature sensor is the most effective solution to resolve the P0073 code. However, it is recommended to diagnose the issue properly before replacing any components.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair the P0073 code in a 2020 Ford F150?

The cost of repairing the P0073 code can vary depending on the extent of the issue, the need for parts replacement, and labor charges. It is advisable to consult with a mechanic for a more accurate cost estimate.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the occurrence of the P0073 code in a 2020 Ford F150?

Extreme weather conditions, such as severe heat or cold, can potentially impact the ambient air temperature sensor's performance and lead to the triggering of the P0073 code in a 2020 Ford F150.

10. Will resetting the error code resolve the P0073 issue in a 2020 Ford F150?

Resetting the error code may temporarily clear the P0073 code, but if the underlying issue with the ambient air temperature sensor or its circuit remains unresolved, the code is likely to reappear.

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