P0096 Ambient Air Sensor

TXBigBend

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Anyone ever had this code? Dealer is saying it’s $800 just to diagnose. I was thinking about changing the sensor myself first. TIA
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incavulator

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I have never had this fault code on my Bronco sport. For 2019 Ford products, the diagnostic works as described below, which SHOULD be very close to how it functions in our newer vehicles.

P0096 indicates there is a problem with the Intake air temp sensor 2 (there is likely 2 of them, but don't bet a paycheck on this). After a 6 hour soak (engine not running), at initial key on, the diagnostic in the ECU expects the three temperature sensors listed below to be within 30 deg F of each other. The "odd man" out loses and is deemed to be malfunctioning if this comparison doesn't pass. Based on a voting scheme, the sensor that is "out" sets the corresponding fault code.

The most likely cause is either a bad sensor, OR a problem in the wiring (short or resistance due to corrosion, pushed out pin in the connector at the ECU or the sensor itself).

If you want to find root cause and not waste money, you can check resistance between the sensor wires and the ECU and make sure the wiring is OK and check to make sure the pins in the harness are not pushed out and making poor contact. However, this may be a pain in the rear in practice, so depending on the cost of the sensor and your preference to spend more time or spend more money, it may just be easier to put a sensor in it and see if that resolves it. If not, then you can eliminate the sensor and dig into the wiring.

One more thing. You didn't add a block heater or anything like that, did you? Based on your screen name, I'm guessing you're in Texas and I wouldn't think it's likely you would have anything like that there. If so, that can wreak havoc on these diagnostics. The manufacturers usually put in some logic to try to "detect" when a block heater might be present, and then they increase the threshold (the 30 deg F to something higher) to prevent false failures, but this is not as easy as it sounds.


Ford Bronco Sport P0096 Ambient Air Sensor 1765933717420-sa
 

RSH

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Anyone ever had this code? Dealer is saying it’s $800 just to diagnose. I was thinking about changing the sensor myself first. TIA
In the profile it lists the Sport is a 2024 Big Bend. Are you past 36k miles for the bumper to bumper warranty, if not the sensor would be covered under warranty. Otherwise the sensor is cheap enough to replace it yourself and if it doesn't work out you'll only be out about $20 dollars.
 
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TXBigBend

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TY for that detailed reply.

Yes we are in Dallas. This Bronco did have light front damage, but we have been driving for 4000 miles with no check engine light.

yesterday, the Bronco stalled out at a light. My wife was driving. It would turn over but not start.

it's a 2023 BB so took it to ford and they found the low pressure fuel pump bad and they are replacing that now, but they mentioned the P0096 and that will not be covered due to the front damage.

honestly it wasn't there before the stall out but whatever.

they want $800 just to diagnose so I may just replace the sensor myself and see if that fixes it.
 

incavulator

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Are you beyond the 3/36 warranty? Seems crazy they are saying it's not covered if your BS is a 24 MY, unless you're past 36K miles. To be honest, $800 to diagnose seems absolutely NUTS! If you're past warranty, there's no way I'd pay that much. Just my opinion. YMMV.
 


RSH

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I read a post on the Maverick forum that had the same P0096 error code and Ford said they would not cover the sensor because of some minor minor damage and wanted almost $800 dollars as well to check it out. In that incident the owner replaced the sensor themselves and it fixed the problem.
 
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TXBigBend

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I read a post on the Maverick forum that had the same P0096 error code and Ford said they would not cover the sensor because of some minor minor damage and wanted almost $800 dollars as well to check it out. In that incident the owner replaced the sensor themselves and it fixed the problem.
Thanks that is exactly my situation, as I had some damage as well.
They are replacing the low pressure fuel pump under warranty but the IAT2 will be on me.

I plan to fix that myself
 

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