P0096: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance
Severity: moderate
What it means: The PCM sees the reading from the second intake air temperature (IAT) sensor — often built into a boost/MAP sensor on turbo cars — is implausible for the conditions.
Safe to drive? Usually drivable, but on turbo cars this often shows up with cold-weather icing or a contaminated charge-air cooler that can also cause stalling or limp power.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light
- Poor cold drivability
- Reduced power or boost-related codes together
Likely causes, ranked
- Contaminated or iced IAT/boost sensorShop
- Water/oil in the charge-air coolerShop
- Wiring/connector faultsDIY
Vehicle-specific notes
- 2015–2018 Chevrolet Trax: Owners on Trax Forum saw P0096 with cold-weather sputtering and discussed water in the intercooler contaminating the boost/IAT sensor. Read the full answer · Source
What it means: The PCM sees the reading from the second intake air temperature (IAT) sensor — often built into a boost/MAP sensor on turbo cars — is implausible for the conditions.
Severity: Moderate. Safe to drive? Usually drivable, but on turbo cars this often shows up with cold-weather icing or a contaminated charge-air cooler that can also cause stalling or limp power.
DIY or shop?
DIY for visual connector checks; shop for turbo intake diagnosis.
Before you replace parts
- Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, not just this one.
- Check your VIN for recalls, service bulletins and extended coverage.
- Inspect wiring and connectors for the related sensor or part before buying parts.
- Clear the code only after a repair, then confirm it stays off.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. If the engine stalls in cold weather, treat it as urgent. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.