AutoCodes – Generic – P023A

P023A Code - Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit Open

Quick Answer

The Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Cooling Electric Water Pump is an electric pump that circulates coolant through the intercooler system to lower the temperature of the air entering the engine. Common causes include Charge Air Cooler (CAC) coolant leakage, Charge Air Cooler coolant is mixed in air, Protection control is activated during pump idle running. 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: P023A indicates Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit Open.
Common causes: Common causes include Charge Air Cooler (CAC) coolant leakage, Charge Air Cooler coolant is mixed in air, Protection control is activated during pump idle running.
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 18,172

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 10, 2025

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P023A Description

The Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Cooling Electric Water Pump is an electric pump that circulates coolant through the intercooler system to lower the temperature of the air entering the engine. By moving coolant between the charge air cooler and a small radiator, it helps remove heat from the compressed intake air produced by the turbocharger or supercharger. This keeps the intake air cooler and denser, improving engine performance, efficiency, and reliability. The pump is controlled by the ECM and adjusts its speed based on engine load and temperature conditions.

OBDII Code P023A - Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com — P023A Code - Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P023A?

Charge Air Cooler (CAC) coolant leakage
Charge Air Cooler coolant is mixed in air
Protection control is activated during pump idle running
Faulty Charge Air Cooler Cooling Electric Water Pump

How to Fix the DTC P023A?

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 P023A 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 P023A code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P023A Audi — Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit/Open
P023A Chevrolet — Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Relay Control Circuit/Open
P023A Infiniti — Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit Open
P023A Nissan — Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit Open
P023A Volkswagen — Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit/Open

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.