AutoCodes – Ford – P0074 2020 Ford F150

P0074 2020 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Intermittent/Erratic

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: P0074 2020 Ford F150 indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Intermittent/Erratic.
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 274

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 P0074 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 changes beyond the minimum or maximum calibrated limit.

OBDII Code P0074 2020 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Intermittent/Erratic - AutoCodes.com — P0074 2020 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Intermittent/Erratic

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0074 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 P0074 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 P0074 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.

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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 P0074 2020 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0074 on a 2020 Ford F150?

- Common symptoms include inaccurate or fluctuating ambient air temperature readings on the vehicle's display, poor fuel efficiency, and potential issues with the climate control system.

2. What can cause the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Intermittent/Erratic code on a 2020 Ford F150?

- The code P0074 can be triggered by a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the sensor's calibration.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0074 on my 2020 Ford F150?

- To diagnose the issue, you can use a multimeter to test the ambient air temperature sensor's resistance, check for any visible damage to the sensor or its wiring, and inspect the sensor's connector for corrosion or loose connections.

4. Can I drive my 2020 Ford F150 with the P0074 code?

- While the vehicle may still be operable with the P0074 code, it is not recommended to ignore the issue as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential problems with the vehicle's climate control system.

5. How can I repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Intermittent/Erratic code on my 2020 Ford F150?

- Repair options include replacing the ambient air temperature sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, and resetting the fault codes after making necessary repairs.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P0074 on a 2020 Ford F150 without fixing the issue?

- While you can clear the fault code using an OBDII scanner, it is recommended to address the underlying problem causing the code to prevent further issues with the vehicle's systems.

7. Are there any DIY tips for fixing the P0074 code on a 2020 Ford F150?

- DIY tips include checking and cleaning the sensor's connector, inspecting the sensor for physical damage, and ensuring proper connection of the sensor to the vehicle's wiring harness.

8. How much does it cost to fix the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Intermittent/Erratic code on a 2020 Ford F150?

- The cost of repairing the P0074 code can vary depending on the cause of the issue, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the ambient air temperature sensor and trigger the P0074 code on a 2020 Ford F150?

- Yes, extreme temperatures or exposure to moisture can impact the sensor's readings and functionality, potentially leading to the intermittent or erratic behavior that triggers the P0074 code.

10. Will the P0074 code cause my 2020 Ford F150 to fail an emissions test?

- Depending on local regulations, the P0074 code may cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test as it indicates a fault in the ambient air temperature sensor circuit, which can affect emissions control systems.