Faulty charge air cooler temperature sensor on bank 2; Short to ground in the sensor signal circuit; Corroded, loose, or damaged electrical connector at the sensor; Damaged wiring harness between the sensor and the engine control module; Failed engine control module (less common); Intake air leak or restriction affecting the charge air cooler, though this usually sets a different code

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P00A2

P00A2Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 2

Q: What does code P00A2 mean?

Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 2. P00A2 means the engine computer has detected an abnormally low voltage signal from the charge air cooler temperature sensor on bank 2, which monitors the temperature of the compressed intake air after it leaves the turbocharger or supercharger. The low signal typically indicates a short to ground, a failed sensor, or a wiring problem rather than a genuine low-temperature condition.

P00A2 means the engine computer has detected an abnormally low voltage signal from the charge air cooler temperature sensor on bank 2, which monitors the temperature of the compressed intake air after it leaves the turbocharger or supercharger. The low signal typically indicates a short to ground, a failed sensor, or a wiring problem rather than a genuine low-temperature condition.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced engine power or limp mode under heavy load or acceleration
Poor fuel economy or rough running when the engine is cold
Black smoke from the exhaust or excessive turbo lag on diesel engines
In rare cases, overheating or detonation if the fault causes incorrect fueling or timing

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty charge air cooler temperature sensor on bank 2
Short to ground in the sensor signal circuit
Corroded, loose, or damaged electrical connector at the sensor
Damaged wiring harness between the sensor and the engine control module
Failed engine control module (less common)
Intake air leak or restriction affecting the charge air cooler, though this usually sets a different code

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm the code and check for related codes
Visually inspect the bank 2 charge air cooler temperature sensor and its connector for damage or corrosion
Measure sensor resistance and compare to the manufacturer's specification; replace if out of range
Check the signal circuit for a short to ground using a multimeter and wiring diagram
Repair any damaged wiring or connectors, then clear the code and verify the sensor reads correctly with a scan tool
If the sensor and wiring are good, test the engine control module input circuit before condemning the module

What the low voltage really tells you

A low voltage signal almost always means the circuit is shorted to ground, not that the charge air is actually cold, so chasing a cooling problem is usually wasted effort.
The bank 2 sensor is often located on the cold side of the charge air cooler, and its connector can be exposed to road splash, leading to corrosion that mimics a failed sensor.
Some vehicles use a shared reference voltage for multiple sensors, so a short in one sensor can pull down the signal for others and set companion codes.
Replacing the sensor without checking the wiring is a common misdiagnosis; the harness near the charge air cooler is prone to chafing against brackets.
On engines with two charge air coolers, bank 2 refers to the side opposite bank 1, and the sensor may be hidden behind the intercooler, making visual inspection difficult without removing covers.

Can I keep driving with P00A2?

You can usually drive the vehicle with this code, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing because the engine may enter limp mode or run with incorrect fueling. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent potential damage to the turbocharger or catalytic converter.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.