🚗 DTC P0096 – Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance

Meaning:
The ECM detects that the signal from Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 (IAT2) is not within the expected range compared to actual engine operating conditions.
This usually applies to turbocharged / supercharged engines where IAT2 is located after the intercooler.

✅ Common Symptoms

Rough idle / hesitation

Poor acceleration

Increased fuel consumption

Reduced engine performance

Check Engine Light ON

🔧 Possible Causes

Electrical Issues

Open or short in IAT2 signal wire

Damaged wiring harness near intercooler piping

Corroded or loose IAT2 connector

Resistance too high/low from sensor damage

Short to ground or power

Sensor / Mechanical Issues

Faulty IAT2 sensor

Sensor contaminated with oil, moisture or dust

Boost leak near sensor location

Intercooler blocked or leaking

Intake plumbing issues affecting temperature readings

ECM Side

Rare: ECM internal fault

🧰 Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

1. Visual Inspection

Locate IAT2 sensor (usually in charge air pipe after intercooler).

Check for:

Broken wires

Melted insulation

Connector damage

Oil contamination

Sensor loose in housing

✅ If wiring is good → continue.

2. Check Live Data (OBD Scanner)

Monitor IAT2 temperature reading.

Engine cold: IAT2 ≈ ambient temperature

Engine warm: usually slightly above ambient

Boosting: temperature increases but smoothly

❌ If the value jumps, freezes, or shows unrealistic temps (e.g., -40°C or 150°C), the sensor or wiring is faulty.

3. Sensor Voltage Check (with multimeter)

Key ON (engine off):

5V reference from ECM

Ground continuity

Signal wire should read about:

4.5V when cold (high resistance)

0.5V when hot (low resistance)

If 5V or ground missing → wiring/ECM issue.

If voltage ok but reading wrong → sensor likely faulty.

4. Sensor Resistance Test

Disconnect IAT2 sensor and measure resistance:

Typical values (varies by model):

20°C: 30–40 kΩ

40°C: ~10 kΩ

60°C: ~3 kΩ

❌ If resistance does not change with temperature → sensor is faulty.

5. Wiring Continuity Test

Check signal wire:

From sensor to ECM connector

Should read 0–1 Ω

Any high resistance or open circuit = repair or replace the wire.

6. Check for Boost / Intercooler Problems

Loose clamps

Intercooler leaks

Cracked charge pipe

Because incorrect airflow can cause abnormal temperature readings.

🛠 Common Fixes

Replace faulty IAT2 sensor

Clean connector and remove corrosion

Repair damaged wiring

Fix boost leaks

Clean or replace intercooler (if clogged)

Clear code and perform road test.

🔄 After Repairs

1. Clear the codes

2. Start engine → check live IAT2 values

3. Perform a 10–15 minute road test

4. Ensure no temperature spikes or drops

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