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P0070 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit malfunction
Depending on the type of vehicle these are some related OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
The Power Control Module (PCM) receives information from the ambient air temperature sensor. With this information, the Power Control Module (PCM) is able to monitor and balance the ambient air temperature with the intake air temperature. If the Power Control Module (PCM) reads that the ambient air temperature and intake air temperature are not at the correct levels, the PCM will store the P0070 code and trigger the Check Engine Light to illuminate.
The following could cause the P0070 trouble code:
Most commonly, the only indication that there is a fault in the ambient air temperature sensor will be the Check Engine Light. Another symptom that is less likely is the climate control system (heat and/or air condition controls) will not work properly.
The first step in diagnosing the P0070 trouble code is to use an OBD-II scanner and making a record of the freeze frame data as well as all trouble codes that have been stored.
Next, the ambient air temperature sensor wiring and its connector need to be checked for shorts or opens in the wires, bare wires and/or corrosion in the connector. It is also important to check for debris that could be covering the sensor.
If all of these components are normal and working properly, any and all codes that were present during the original scan should be cleared, and the vehicle test driven.
If during the test drive, the P0070 trouble code returns, the ambient air temperature sensor will need to be replaced.
If the P0070 trouble code does not come back immediately, this could mean that there is an intermittent problem related to the voltage going to the PCM and further. In this instance, a more extensive diagnosis process would be required.
It is very rare, but possible that there is an issue with the Power Control Module (PCM) if all of the above diagnostic measures do not resolve the P0070 trouble code.
Replacing the ambient air temperature sensor is not always necessary to fix the problem. A common mistake is for the ambient air temperature sensor to be replaced without first checking the wires and connector for defects.
This code is not considered to be a serious one since it will not cause drivability problems or prevent the car from running properly. In some cases, the climate control system (heat and/or cold air condition controls) will not work properly, which may be uncomfortable depending on weather conditions.
In most cases, it will be required to replace the ambient air temperature sensor in order to clear the P0070 trouble code. However, it is always important to first check the wiring, connectors, and harness before concluding that the issue is the ambient air temperature sensor.
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