P0073 2016 Ford F150 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 2016 Ford F150 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.
Code P0073 2016 Ford F150 Description
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.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0073 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 P0073 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 P0073 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 P0073 2016 Ford F150 code?
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Frequently Asked Questions about P0073 2016 Ford F150 Code
1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?
The common symptoms of code P0073 include incorrect temperature readings on the dashboard, issues with the vehicle's climate control system, and potential activation of the check engine light.
2. What does the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor do in a 2016 Ford F150?
The Ambient Air Temperature Sensor in a 2016 Ford F150 detects the temperature of the air outside the vehicle and provides this information to the engine control module for various functions like climate control and engine performance.
3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?
Common causes of code P0073 include a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged sensor wiring or connectors, issues with the sensor circuit, or a malfunction in the engine control module.
4. How can I diagnose the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High issue on my 2016 Ford F150?
Diagnosing code P0073 involves checking the ambient air temperature sensor and its connections for any damage or corrosion, testing the sensor's resistance, and using a multimeter to check for proper voltage signals.
5. Can I still drive my 2016 Ford F150 with OBDII code P0073 present?
It is generally safe to drive with code P0073, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent any potential problems with the vehicle's climate control system or engine performance.
6. How can I repair OBDII code P0073 on my 2016 Ford F150?
Repairing code P0073 may involve replacing the ambient air temperature sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the trouble code using an OBDII scanner.
7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150 without fixing the underlying issue?
While you can clear the trouble code temporarily, it is recommended to address the root cause of code P0073 to prevent it from reoccurring and potentially causing further issues with the vehicle.
8. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?
DIY tips for troubleshooting code P0073 include visually inspecting the sensor and its connections, checking for any visible damage, and testing the sensor's resistance and voltage output using a multimeter.
9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor in a 2016 Ford F150?
Yes, extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat or cold can potentially affect the performance of the ambient air temperature sensor, leading to incorrect readings and triggering OBDII code P0073.
10. How important is it to fix OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?
It is important to fix code P0073 to ensure the accurate functioning of the vehicle's climate control system and to prevent any potential impact on engine performance or fuel efficiency.
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