AutoCodesFord – P0071 2020 Ford F150

P0071 2020 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 2020 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 296
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 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 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 2020 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance - AutoCodes.com
P0071 2020 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0071 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 P0071 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 P0071 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 P0071 2020 Ford F150 code?

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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 2020 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0071 on a 2020 Ford F150?

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

2. What are the possible causes of the P0071 code on a 2020 Ford F150?

- The code P0071 is usually triggered by a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or a malfunctioning ECM (Engine Control Module).

3. How can I diagnose the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance issue on my 2020 Ford F150?

- Diagnosis involves checking the ambient air temperature sensor for proper operation, inspecting the sensor wiring and connectors for damage, and using a scan tool to read the sensor data and confirm the issue.

4. Can I drive my 2020 Ford F150 with the P0071 code?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with the P0071 code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential fuel efficiency problems and climate control issues.

5. How do I repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance problem on my 2020 Ford F150?

- Repairing the P0071 code usually involves replacing the ambient air temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the code with a scan tool.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code P0071 on my 2020 Ford F150 make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue causing the P0071 code is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

7. Is it possible to clean the ambient air temperature sensor to fix the P0071 code on a 2020 Ford F150?

- In most cases, cleaning the sensor is not a permanent solution for the P0071 code. It is recommended to replace the sensor if it is faulty or malfunctioning.

8. Can extreme weather conditions affect the ambient air temperature sensor and trigger the P0071 code on a 2020 Ford F150?

- Yes, extreme heat or cold can affect the ambient air temperature sensor's performance and potentially trigger the P0071 code. It is important to consider environmental factors when diagnosing the issue.

9. How long does it typically take to repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Range/Performance issue on a 2020 Ford F150?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the P0071 code. In most cases, replacing the ambient air temperature sensor and addressing any wiring issues can be completed within a couple of hours.

10. Will the P0071 code on a 2020 Ford F150 affect the vehicle's emissions or overall performance?

- While the P0071 code itself may not directly impact emissions or performance, addressing the underlying issue promptly is important to ensure optimal fuel efficiency and proper functioning of the vehicle's climate control system.

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