P0073 Code: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes & Fix

Overview

Symptoms

• increased fuel use
• reduced performance
• rough operation in certain conditions

Common causes

• Open circuit in wiring affecting ambient air temperature sensor circuit high input
• Broken terminal inside harness
• Connector pin damage/corrosion or harness stress near related components

How to diagnose P0073

1. Confirm P0073 and capture freeze-frame data with a professional scan tool.
2. Inspect wiring, connectors, and grounds related to ambient air temperature sensor circuit high input for obvious defects.
3. Use a continuity test from module pin to component to identify opens/high resistance.
4. Check for related DTCs to identify the root-cause chain before replacing parts.
5. After repair, clear codes and confirm readiness monitors complete without recurrence.

Severity of code P0073

Moderate: This code is moderate severity: the vehicle may still operate, but fault progression can increase repair cost over time.

Can you drive with P0073?

Most vehicles can be driven short-term with P0073, but postpone heavy load/highway driving until repaired.

If the warning lamp is flashing or drivability/safety is affected, avoid driving and diagnose immediately.

How to fix it (step-by-step)

1. Repair obvious wiring/connector faults first to prevent repeat parts replacement.
2. Address the root fault mode (open) in the ambient air temperature sensor circuit high input circuit/system.
3. Apply the required relearn/adaptation procedure if specified by service information.
4. Road-test and verify P0073 remains cleared under the conditions that originally set the code.

Fix options

• Clear corrosion and protect terminals.
• Repair open circuit and secure connector lock.
• Clear DTCs and verify with live data and completed drive cycle.

Typical repair cost

$200-$900

Common mistakes when diagnosing P0073

• Replacing parts without verifying voltage, ground, and signal integrity first.
• Ignoring related stored/pending codes that indicate upstream faults.
• Skipping post-repair verification drive cycle and readiness checks.

P0073 in common vehicles

P0073 appears across makes such as Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet. Failure patterns differ by platform: wiring routes, software calibration, and component supplier revisions can change root cause.

Frequently asked questions

What causes P0073?

P0073 is commonly set by open faults affecting ambient air temperature sensor circuit high input.

How much does it cost to fix P0073?

For P0073, repair costs are typically $200-$900 depending on exact root cause, labor rates, and part quality.

Can I clear P0073 without repair?

You can clear P0073 temporarily, but the code usually returns until the underlying fault is corrected.

Helpful tools

• Estimate repair cost
• Decode your VIN
• Calculate fuel cost