Failed intake air temperature sensor 3 itself, due to internal open or short circuit; Damaged wiring or connector pins at the sensor, often from heat, vibration, or corrosion; Open or shorted circuit between the sensor and the powertrain control module; Poor ground connection for the sensor circuit, causing a biased voltage reading; Faulty powertrain control module, though this is rare and should be diagnosed last; Aftermarket intake or intercooler modifications that disturb the sensor mounting or wiring

DTC codes / P00xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P00E8

P00E8Intake Air Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Bank 1

Q: What does code P00E8 mean?

Intake Air Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Bank 1. P00E8 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormal voltage signal on the intake air temperature sensor 3 circuit for bank 1, which is a secondary temperature sensor used on some engines to monitor air charge temperature. The computer compares the signal to expected values and flags the code when the circuit is open, shorted, or reading outside the plausible range.

P00E8 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormal voltage signal on the intake air temperature sensor 3 circuit for bank 1, which is a secondary temperature sensor used on some engines to monitor air charge temperature. The computer compares the signal to expected values and flags the code when the circuit is open, shorted, or reading outside the plausible range.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

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
Rough idle or hesitation when the engine is cold, especially in low ambient temperatures
Poor fuel economy or slightly reduced power as the computer substitutes a default temperature value
Intermittent stalling or surging if the sensor signal drops out while driving
A stored freeze-frame showing an intake air temperature reading that is implausible for the conditions

Common causes, most likely first

Failed intake air temperature sensor 3 itself, due to internal open or short circuit
Damaged wiring or connector pins at the sensor, often from heat, vibration, or corrosion
Open or shorted circuit between the sensor and the powertrain control module
Poor ground connection for the sensor circuit, causing a biased voltage reading
Faulty powertrain control module, though this is rare and should be diagnosed last
Aftermarket intake or intercooler modifications that disturb the sensor mounting or wiring

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm the code is current and not history
Visually inspect the sensor, connector, and wiring for obvious damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Measure sensor resistance with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's temperature-resistance chart
Back-probe the sensor signal and ground wires to check for opens, shorts, or excessive voltage drop
Check the sensor ground circuit for integrity and clean any corroded ground points
If wiring and sensor test good, substitute a known-good sensor and clear the code to see if it returns
Only after all other steps pass, test or replace the powertrain control module as a last resort

Why this code often misleads

A P00E8 can be set by a dirty or contaminated sensor element that still reads within a narrow range but responds too slowly, which a simple resistance check may not catch.
Many technicians replace the sensor only to find the real problem is a chafed wire harness near the intake manifold or intercooler piping, so always flex-test the wiring while watching live data.
On some engines, intake air temperature sensor 3 is integrated into a mass airflow sensor or manifold absolute pressure sensor, so the entire assembly may need replacement rather than a separate sensor.
The code can appear after a repair that involved removing the intake system if a connector is not fully seated or a wire is pinched during reassembly.
A faulty thermostat or cooling system issue can cause intake air temperature readings to seem implausible, leading to a false diagnosis of the sensor circuit.

Can I keep driving with P00E8?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive because the computer substitutes a default temperature value, but you may notice slightly higher fuel consumption or rough running when cold. Avoid heavy towing or aggressive driving until the fault is repaired, and address it promptly to prevent secondary codes.

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.