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P0073 2016 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

Quick Answer

The P0073 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for a 2016 Ford F150 indicates an issue with the Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor Circuit 'A' being too high. Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor: The AAT sensor itself may be malfunctioning, providing incorrect temperature readings to the ECM, Wiring Issues: Damage or corrosion in the wiring harness connected to the AAT sensor can cause a high voltage signal to be sent to the ECM, ECM Malfunction: The engine control module may be faulty, causing it to misinterpret the signals received from the AAT sensor. 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
P0073 2016 Ford F150 indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor: The AAT sensor itself may be malfunctioning, providing incorrect temperature readings to the ECM, Wiring Issues: Damage or corrosion in the wiring harness connected to the AAT sensor can cause a high voltage signal to be sent to the ECM, ECM Malfunction: The engine control module may be faulty, causing it to misinterpret the signals received from the AAT sensor.
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.
What is this?
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 10, 2024
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Code P0073 2016 Ford F150 Description

The P0073 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for a 2016 Ford F150 indicates an issue with the Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor Circuit 'A' being too high. The AAT sensor is responsible for measuring the outside air temperature and providing this information to the vehicle's engine control module (ECM). This data is crucial for various functions within the vehicle, such as adjusting fuel delivery, ignition timing, and emissions control. When the AAT sensor circuit reports a high voltage signal, it means that the ECM is receiving an abnormally high temperature reading from the sensor.

OBDII Code P0073 2016 Ford F150 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High
P0073 2016 Ford F150 Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High

Common Causes of P0073 2016 Ford F150

  1. Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor: The AAT sensor itself may be malfunctioning, providing incorrect temperature readings to the ECM.
  2. Wiring Issues: Damage or corrosion in the wiring harness connected to the AAT sensor can cause a high voltage signal to be sent to the ECM.
  3. ECM Malfunction: The engine control module may be faulty, causing it to misinterpret the signals received from the AAT sensor.
  4. Poor Electrical Connection: Loose or poor electrical connections between the sensor, wiring, and ECM can lead to high voltage readings.
  5. Ambient Air Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme environmental conditions, such as exposure to high heat or cold, can impact the sensor's performance and trigger the P0073 code.

Symptoms of P0073 2016 Ford F150

  1. Check Engine Light: The most common symptom associated with the P0073 code is the illumination of the check engine light on the vehicle's dashboard.
  2. Inaccurate Temperature Readings: The vehicle's temperature gauge may display incorrect readings, showing a higher ambient air temperature than actual.
  3. Poor Fuel Efficiency: Due to incorrect fuel delivery adjustments by the ECM, the vehicle may experience decreased fuel efficiency.
  4. Rough Idle: The engine may idle roughly or inconsistently due to incorrect ignition timing adjustments.
  5. Climate Control Issues: The vehicle's climate control system may not function properly, resulting in incorrect temperature regulation inside the vehicle.

How to Fix P0073 2016 Ford F150

  1. Diagnostic Scan: Begin by using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the P0073 code and any additional codes present. This will help pinpoint the issue and confirm the AAT sensor circuit 'A' high fault.
  2. Inspect AAT Sensor: Check the ambient air temperature sensor for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Replace the sensor if necessary.
  3. Check Wiring: Inspect the wiring harness connected to the AAT sensor for any damage, breaks, or corrosion. Repair or replace any faulty wiring.
  4. Test ECM: Perform a diagnostic test on the engine control module to ensure it is functioning correctly. Replace the ECM if it is found to be faulty.
  5. Clear Codes: Once the repair is complete, clear the fault codes using the OBD-II scanner and test drive the vehicle to ensure the issue has been resolved.

Cost to Fix P0073 2016 Ford F150

The cost of repairing a P0073 code on a 2016 Ford F150 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the labor rates in your area. In general, the cost of replacing the ambient air temperature sensor can range from $50 to $150, while the price of a new ECM can be significantly higher, typically ranging from $300 to $800. Labor costs for diagnosis and repair can add another $100 to $300 to the total bill. It's important to factor in these costs when budgeting for the repair, and it's recommended to consult with a qualified mechanic or auto repair shop for a more accurate estimate based on your vehicle's specific needs and location.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0073 2016 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?

The common symptoms of code P0073 include incorrect temperature readings on the dashboard, issues with the vehicle's climate control system, and potential activation of the check engine light.

2. What does the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor do in a 2016 Ford F150?

The Ambient Air Temperature Sensor in a 2016 Ford F150 detects the temperature of the air outside the vehicle and provides this information to the engine control module for various functions like climate control and engine performance.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?

Common causes of code P0073 include a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged sensor wiring or connectors, issues with the sensor circuit, or a malfunction in the engine control module.

4. How can I diagnose the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit 'A' High issue on my 2016 Ford F150?

Diagnosing code P0073 involves checking the ambient air temperature sensor and its connections for any damage or corrosion, testing the sensor's resistance, and using a multimeter to check for proper voltage signals.

5. Can I still drive my 2016 Ford F150 with OBDII code P0073 present?

It is generally safe to drive with code P0073, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent any potential problems with the vehicle's climate control system or engine performance.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0073 on my 2016 Ford F150?

Repairing code P0073 may involve replacing the ambient air temperature sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the trouble code using an OBDII scanner.

7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150 without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the trouble code temporarily, it is recommended to address the root cause of code P0073 to prevent it from reoccurring and potentially causing further issues with the vehicle.

8. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?

DIY tips for troubleshooting code P0073 include visually inspecting the sensor and its connections, checking for any visible damage, and testing the sensor's resistance and voltage output using a multimeter.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor in a 2016 Ford F150?

Yes, extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat or cold can potentially affect the performance of the ambient air temperature sensor, leading to incorrect readings and triggering OBDII code P0073.

10. How important is it to fix OBDII code P0073 on a 2016 Ford F150?

It is important to fix code P0073 to ensure the accurate functioning of the vehicle's climate control system and to prevent any potential impact on engine performance or fuel efficiency.

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