OBD Guide
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P0072

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit A Low

P0072 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit A Low. Common causes: outside air temperature sensor malfunction, sensor wiring short circuit to ground. Estimated repair cost: $22–89.

Severity
✅ Low
Can you drive?
Do not drive — repair immediately
Approx. repair cost
$22–89 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light Illuminates
  • Incorrect operation of the air conditioning system
  • Incorrect display of outside air temperature on the dashboard
  • Possible change in cooling fan operation
  • Slight degradation in fuel economy

Causes

  • Outside air temperature sensor malfunction
  • Sensor wiring short circuit to ground
  • Broken or damaged wiring to the sensor
  • Corroded or oxidized sensor connector
  • Malfunction of the engine control unit (rare)
  • Moisture entering the sensor connector

How to Fix

  1. Connect the diagnostic scanner and read the error codes
  2. Find the location of the outside air temperature sensor (usually at the front of the car)
  3. Visually inspect the sensor and its wiring for damage
  4. Check the sensor connector for corrosion and connection reliability.
  5. Measure the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter at different temperatures
  6. Check the integrity of the wiring from the sensor to the ECU
  7. If necessary, replace the outside air temperature sensor
  8. Clear error codes and test drive to check

Related codes

P0071P0073P0074P0098P0099

Error P0072 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the P0072 code mean?

P0072 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit A Low

What causes a P0072 error code?

The most common causes of P0072 include: Outside air temperature sensor malfunction; Sensor wiring short circuit to ground; Broken or damaged wiring to the sensor; Corroded or oxidized sensor connector.

How do I fix a P0072 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0072: Connect the diagnostic scanner and read the error codes. Find the location of the outside air temperature sensor (usually at the front of the car). Visually inspect the sensor and its wiring for damage. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0072?

Do not drive — repair immediately

How much does it cost to fix P0072?

The estimated repair cost for P0072 is $22–89. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

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See also: Russian version · NationStat