P0072 De Soto Fireflite Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0072 De Soto Fireflite code definition:
P0072 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for De Soto Fireflite.

P0072 De Soto Fireflite is described as Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Circuit Malfunction. It's actually a general trouble code for a problem on IAT electrical circuit sensor, as it sends incorrect voltage input signals to the PCM. There are two wires dedicated for each coil; one is battery feed which usually comes from the distribution center, and the other one for the coil driver circuit from the PCM. The PCM grounds or ungrounds the circuit to activate or deactivate the coil.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0072 De Soto Fireflite diagnostic trouble code may include:

Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Poor acceleration
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Rich or lean exhaust

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble. Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0072 De Soto Fireflite is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P0072 De Soto Fireflite.

Fortunately, P0072 De Soto Fireflite is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.