AutoCodes – Ford – P0072 2016 Ford F150

P0072 2016 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low

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
P0072 2016 Ford F150 indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 248
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 P0072 2016 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 less than the self-test minimum.
OBDII Code P0072 2016 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low - AutoCodes.com
P0072 2016 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0072 2016 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 P0072 2016 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 P0072 2016 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 P0072 2016 Ford F150 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0072 2016 Ford F150 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0072 2016 Ford F150 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P0072 2016 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0072 on a 2016 Ford F150?

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

2. What causes the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low code (P0072) on a 2016 Ford F150?

- The code P0072 is typically triggered by a malfunctioning ambient air temperature sensor, faulty wiring or connectors, or a problem with the sensor circuit.

3. How can I diagnose the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low code on my 2016 Ford F150?

- You can diagnose the issue by visually inspecting the sensor and its connections, testing the sensor's resistance, and using a scan tool to read live data and check for any discrepancies.

4. Can a faulty ambient air temperature sensor affect the performance of my 2016 Ford F150?

- Yes, a faulty ambient air temperature sensor can affect the engine's performance, fuel efficiency, and the operation of the climate control system in your Ford F150.

5. How do I repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low issue on my 2016 Ford F150?

- Repair options include replacing the ambient air temperature sensor, checking and repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the trouble code with a scan tool.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my 2016 Ford F150 with the P0072 code present?

- While your vehicle may still be operable with the code present, it's recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential adverse effects on performance and fuel efficiency.

7. Can weather conditions impact the ambient air temperature sensor's readings on a 2016 Ford F150?

- Extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold can sometimes affect the ambient air temperature sensor's readings, but persistent inaccuracies may indicate a sensor issue.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' Low code on a 2016 Ford F150?

- The cost of repairing the P0072 code can vary depending on the root cause, but it may range from around $100 to $300 for parts and labor at a dealership or repair shop.

9. Can I replace the ambient air temperature sensor on my 2016 Ford F150 myself?

- If you have the necessary tools and mechanical skills, you can typically replace the ambient air temperature sensor yourself following a repair manual or online guides.

10. Will resetting the OBDII code P0072 on my 2016 Ford F150 make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing the P0072 code is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

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