AutoCodes – Ford – P0073 2017 Ford F150

P0073 2017 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 2017 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.
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Code Popularity 317
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 P0073 2017 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 greater than the self-test maximum.
OBDII Code P0073 2017 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High - AutoCodes.com
P0073 2017 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0073 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 P0073 2017 Ford F150 Code

What does the OBDII code P0073 mean for a 2017 Ford F150?

The P0073 code indicates that the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' is reading a high voltage, which can affect the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.

What are common symptoms of the P0073 code?

Common symptoms include incorrect temperature readings on the dashboard, poor fuel economy, and potential engine performance issues.

What could cause the P0073 code to appear?

Possible causes include a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

How can I diagnose the P0073 code?

To diagnose the P0073 code, check the ambient air temperature sensor for damage, inspect the wiring and connections for faults, and use a multimeter to test the sensor's resistance.

What is the typical location of the ambient air temperature sensor on a 2017 Ford F150?

The ambient air temperature sensor is usually located near the front grille or bumper area, where it can accurately measure the outside air temperature.

Can I drive my 2017 Ford F150 with the P0073 code?

While you can drive the vehicle, it's not recommended as it may lead to reduced fuel efficiency and other performance issues.

What are some repair tips for fixing the P0073 code?

Repair tips include replacing the ambient air temperature sensor if it's faulty, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the code after repairs to see if it returns.

How much does it typically cost to fix the P0073 code?

Repair costs can vary widely, but replacing the ambient air temperature sensor generally ranges from $50 to $200, depending on labor rates and parts availability.

Will clearing the P0073 code resolve the issue permanently?

Clearing the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue isn't fixed, the code will likely return after driving the vehicle.

Is it safe to ignore the P0073 code?

Ignoring the P0073 code is not advisable, as it can lead to further engine performance issues and potentially impact your vehicle's overall efficiency.

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