P0073: Ambient air temperature sensor circuit high

How to read it

P0073 is one of the standard OBD-II trouble codes stored when the check engine light comes on. Volkswagen’s service information names it “Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High”, and an FCA US (Chrysler) case report gives the same name.

Also searched as: code P0073, P0073 code.

What the monitor checks

The federal rule’s catch-all covers any other electronic powertrain component that sends input to or takes commands from the on-board computer and has a measurable effect on emissions.

What the manual says to do

Ford’s F-150 manual says that if the indicator stays on, the vehicle should be serviced at the first available opportunity, and that continued driving with it on can mean higher emissions, lower fuel economy, rougher running and more costly repairs.

How the light goes out

Under the federal rule, the check engine light may go out once the fault has not come back during three trips in a row in which its monitor runs without finding it. The system may erase the stored code if the same code has not been registered again in at least 40 engine warm-up cycles.