AutoCodesFord – P0071 2018 Ford F150

P0071 2018 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance

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
P0071 2018 Ford F150 indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance.
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 352
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 P0071 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 reading does not correlate with the other temperature sensor readings at ignition ON. The PCM runs this logic after an engine off and a calibrated soak period, typically 6 to 8 hours. This soak period allows the AAT sensor and the other temperature sensors to stabilize and not differ by greater than a calibrated value, typically 18°C (32.4°F).
OBDII Code P0071 2018 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance - AutoCodes.com
P0071 2018 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0071 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 P0071 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 P0071 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 P0071 2018 Ford F150 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0071 2018 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 P0071 2018 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0071 in a 2018 Ford F150?

The common symptoms of P0071 include inaccurate temperature readings on the vehicle's display, incorrect climate control operation, and potentially reduced fuel efficiency.

2. What does OBDII code P0071 indicate in a 2018 Ford F150?

OBDII code P0071 in a 2018 Ford F150 refers to an issue with the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A', indicating a range/performance problem with the sensor.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0071 in a 2018 Ford F150?

Possible causes of P0071 in a 2018 Ford F150 include a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the sensor's connection to the vehicle's computer.

4. How can I diagnose the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' issue in my 2018 Ford F150?

To diagnose the P0071 code, you can visually inspect the sensor and its wiring for any visible damage, use a multimeter to test the sensor's resistance, and check for any loose connections or corrosion in the circuit.

5. Can I continue driving my 2018 Ford F150 with OBDII code P0071?

While the vehicle may still be operable with the P0071 code, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential inaccuracies in temperature readings and other related problems.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0071 in my 2018 Ford F150?

Repairing P0071 may involve replacing the ambient air temperature sensor if it is faulty, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the code with an OBDII scanner.

7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0071 in a 2018 Ford F150 without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the code temporarily with an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to address the root cause of the problem to prevent the code from reoccurring.

8. Will OBDII code P0071 cause my check engine light to illuminate in my 2018 Ford F150?

Yes, OBDII code P0071 typically triggers the check engine light to illuminate in a 2018 Ford F150, indicating a problem with the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A'.

9. Can extreme weather conditions impact the functionality of the ambient air temperature sensor in a 2018 Ford F150?

Extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold can potentially affect the ambient air temperature sensor's performance and lead to the triggering of OBDII code P0071.

10. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0071 in a 2018 Ford F150?

The cost of repairing OBDII code P0071 in a 2018 Ford F150 can vary depending on the specific issue, but it may involve expenses for sensor replacement, wiring repairs, and labor costs at a mechanic or dealership.

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