P0070 to P0074, P0095 to P0099 and P0127: outside and intake air temperature
The sensor that reads the outside air temperature, or the second intake air temperature sensor, has a circuit fault or an implausible reading, or the air entering the engine is hotter than it should be (P0127).
SeverityLowLittle risk to the car, but the fault stays until it is repaired.
Can you keep driving?Safe to drive, book a checkWhat does P0070 mean?
The ambient sensor, usually behind the front grille, feeds the outside temperature display, the climate control and some engine strategies. The second intake air temperature sensor sits after the turbo or the intercooler and tells the computer how warm the charge air is. P0127 says the intake air is too hot, which on turbo engines often means the intercooler is blocked or the air is being drawn from under the hood instead of from outside.
What causes P0070?
- A failed ambient sensor behind the bumper, often damaged by stones or a minor knock
- A failed second intake air temperature sensor or its wiring
- An intercooler clogged with dirt or leaves, for P0127
- A loose intake duct drawing hot air from the engine bay
- A corroded connector exposed to road spray
What to check first for P0070
- Compare the outside temperature reading with the real temperature after the car has stood
- Inspect the ambient sensor and its connector behind the grille or bumper
- Look at the front of the intercooler and radiator for dirt and leaves
- Check the intake ducts are connected and drawing cold air
Can you drive with P0070?
You can drive safely. The outside temperature display and automatic climate may be wrong; with P0127 on a turbo engine, avoid hard acceleration in hot weather until the cause is found.
In states with an OBD-II emissions inspection, a car with the check engine light on fails the test until the fault is fixed.
Codes on this page
11
- P0070Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
- P0071Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
- P0072Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
- P0073Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
- P0074Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent
- P0095Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit
- P0096Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance
- P0097Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low
- P0098Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
- P0099Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0127Intake Air Temperature Too High
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
