P0097: Intake air temperature sensor 2 circuit signal too low
Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 2 circuit low input
Severity: Inspect soon
Kelley Blue Book rates it moderately serious and says it can cause power loss, emissions test failure and acceleration problems, and to see a shop soon.
P0097 in short
P0097 means the second intake air temperature sensor is reporting a signal lower than the computer expects, which points to a wiring short to ground, a bad connector or a failed sensor. It can cause weak acceleration, rough idle and poor economy. Kelley Blue Book says to see a shop soon rather than ignore it.
Some engines use a second intake air temperature sensor, often to read air temperature after a turbocharger or charge cooler. The computer uses it to work out air density and set fuel and boost. P0097 sets when that second sensor's signal is lower than the normal range.
TroubleCodes.net and Kelley Blue Book agree on the usual causes: a short to ground in the wiring, a faulty connector and a failed sensor, and less often the engine computer.
On GM vehicles the code often appears with other air intake codes. General Motors has a 2017 Silverado and Sierra bulletin that traces many codes including P0097 to the engine and transmission computer software, so ask about updates before replacing the sensor.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Failed intake air temperature sensor 2
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Both TroubleCodes.net and Kelley Blue Book list the sensor first; Kelley Blue Book adds contamination of the sensor by engine oil.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor reading sits stuck or far from the other air temperature readings. Falls if it tracks the other sensors normally.
Cause 2: Wiring short to ground or a faulty connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists a wiring short to ground, and Kelley Blue Book lists faulty connectors or damaged wiring. A low-signal code points straight at a short.
- What would change this
- Rises if the harness is chafed or the connector is damaged, or wiggling it changes the reading. Falls if the circuit tests good.
Cause 3: Engine and transmission control module software (2017 Silverado and Sierra)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM bulletin 17-NA-171 lists P0097 among many codes that may come from an anomaly in the ECM and TCM, to be cleared with software updates. Unverified bulletin summary.
- What would change this
- Rises on a listed truck if the modules are not at the latest software and many codes are stored. Falls if the software is current.
Cause 4: Engine computer
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists an ECM fault or programming issue, but only after the sensor and wiring are cleared.
- What would change this
- Rises only if a good sensor and wiring still give the code. Falls if either is faulty.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and live data. Compare the IAT 2 reading with IAT 1 and the outside temperature on a cold engine.
IfMany unrelated codes are stored on a 2017 Silverado or Sierra
It meansGM's bulletin points to a software update first.
Points to: Engine and transmission control module software (2017 Silverado and Sierra)
IfIAT 2 reads far colder than the other readings, or stuck at the low end
It meansA short to ground or a failed sensor.
IfIAT 2 reads normally
It meansThe fault may be intermittent; check the connector.
Step 2: With the engine off and cool, look at the IAT 2 sensor and connector for oil, damage or a loose plug, and check the wiring for chafing.
IfThe connector is loose or damaged, or the wire is chafed
It meansRepair the connection and re-test.
IfThe sensor is oily or damaged
It meansThe sensor is suspect.
IfEverything looks fine
It meansHave the circuit tested.
Step 3: Have the sensor resistance, the reference voltage and the signal circuit tested for a short to ground with a multimeter.
Warning:Back-probing the connector with the wrong tip can short pins and damage the engine computer. The sensor may sit near hot turbo or intake parts.
IfThe signal is shorted to ground
It meansRepair the wiring.
IfThe resistance is out of range
It meansReplace the sensor.
IfSensor and wiring both test good
It meansThe computer is suspect.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Weak acceleration or hesitation
- Rough idle or lower fuel economy
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off and cool, check that the intake air temperature sensor connector is fully seated and free of oil.
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has open software updates for the engine and transmission computers.
Parts and cost context
- Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor:The sensor is a common low-cost part, but test the wiring first because a short to ground is a likely cause. Labour varies, so get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2013–2014 · Equinox
Supported by vehicle dataGM preliminary bulletin PI1009 gives diagnostic tips for P0097 with P00F4, P0113, P2229 and P0102 on 2013-2014 Equinox and related GM models; a 2013 Equinox owner reports P0097 among several air-intake codes. Whether it is still current is not verified.
2017 · Silverado 1500
Supported by vehicle dataGM bulletin 17-NA-171 lists P0097 among many codes that may come from the engine and transmission computers on 2017 Silverado and Sierra; update both modules. Whether it is still current is not verified.
PI1009 (chevrolet)Status unverified
Diagnostic tips for P0097, P00F4, P0113, P2229 and/or P0102
2013–2014equinox, impala, traverse · issued · NHTSA 10134752
Preliminary diagnostic tips; the NHTSA summary does not state a cause or repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
17-NA-171 (chevrolet)Status unverified
Hesitation, stalling and many codes including P0097: update ECM and TCM
2017silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10190233
Update both the engine and transmission control modules to the latest software; if current, use service information for the codes.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0097 yet.
All Air metering (MAF, MAP and intake air temperature) codes
P0097 questions
Why is it called IAT sensor 2?
Some engines have a second intake air temperature sensor, often after the turbo or charge cooler, in addition to the one at the air intake.
Can I drive with P0097?
Kelley Blue Book says to see a repair shop soon. Power loss and failed emissions tests are possible.
Sources and review
- P0097 OBD-II code page
- P0097 trouble code page
- General Motors 17-NA-171: Hesitation, stalling and many codes including P0097; update ECM and TCM
- General Motors PI1009: Diagnostic tips for P0097, P00F4, P0113, P2229 and/or P0102
- NHTSA complaint 11155877: 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
- NHTSA complaint 11554698: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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