AutoCodes – Ford – P0073 Ford

P0073 Ford 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 Ford 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 5,522

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 08, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0073 Ford 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 Ford - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High - AutoCodes.com — P0073 Ford Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0073 Ford?

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 Ford?

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 Ford 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 Ford code?

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

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Information for Specific Ford Models

P0073 2015 Ford F150 — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High
P0073 2016 Ford F150 — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High
P0073 2017 Ford F150 — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High
P0073 2018 Ford F150 — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High
P0073 2019 Ford F150 — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High
P0073 2020 Ford F150 — Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

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 Ford Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0073 in a Ford vehicle?

- Common symptoms include inaccurate ambient air temperature readings on the dashboard, poor fuel efficiency, and potential issues with the climate control system.

2. What is the likely cause of OBDII code P0073 in a Ford?

- The most common cause of code P0073 is a malfunctioning ambient air temperature sensor or a problem with the sensor circuit 'A', leading to high voltage readings.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code P0073 in my Ford?

- To diagnose the problem, you can use a multimeter to test the ambient air temperature sensor's resistance and voltage readings, as well as check the wiring and connector for any damage.

4. Can I drive my Ford with the OBDII code P0073 present?

- It is generally safe to drive your Ford with code P0073, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential fuel efficiency problems and inaccurate temperature readings.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0073 in a Ford?

- Repair tips include replacing the ambient air temperature sensor, checking and repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the fault codes with an OBDII scanner.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code P0073 in my Ford make the issue go away?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying problem with the ambient air temperature sensor or circuit 'A' is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

7. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when dealing with OBDII code P0073 in a Ford?

- One common mistake is overlooking simple issues like a loose connector or damaged wiring when troubleshooting the code. Ensure thorough inspection before replacing components.

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

- The cost of repairing code P0073 in a Ford can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the ambient air temperature sensor and trigger OBDII code P0073 in a Ford?

- Yes, extreme temperatures can sometimes affect the ambient air temperature sensor's performance, leading to false high voltage readings and triggering code P0073.

10. Is it possible to prevent OBDII code P0073 from occurring in my Ford?

- While some causes of code P0073 may be unavoidable, regular maintenance checks, keeping the sensor clean, and promptly addressing any issues can help prevent this code from occurring.