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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 753 (Engine Controls - Powertrain DTC Charts & Descriptions - CNG, Flex-Fuel & Gasoline) >> Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts >> P0538 - A/C Evaporator Temperature (ACET) Circuit High Input

P0538 - A/C Evaporator Temperature (ACET) Circuit High Input

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P0538 - A/C EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE (ACET) CIRCUIT HIGH INPUT

Description:  Indicates the ACET signal input was greater than the self-test maximum. The self-test maximum is 4.5 volts.
Possible Causes: 
  • ACET circuit open.
  • SIG RTN circuit open to the ACET sensor.
  • ACET circuit short to power (VREF).
  • Damaged ACET sensor.
  • Damaged PCM.
Diagnostic Aids:  The PCM sources a low current 5 volts on the ACET circuit (this voltage can be measured with the sensor disconnected). As the A/C evaporator air temperature changes, the ACET circuit resistance to SIG RTN (ground) changes (which changes the voltage the PCM detects). When the ACET signal is detected above the self-test maximum, check for open circuits (ACET or SIG RTN), which would cause the voltage to remain high. Although not as probable, also check for a short to power (VREF).
Application  Key On Engine Off  Key On Engine Running  Continuous Memory 
All GO to DJ: Air Conditioner Evaporator Temperature (ACET) Sensor STEP 1 GO to DJ: Air Conditioner Evaporator Temperature (ACET) Sensor STEP 1 GO to DJ: Air Conditioner Evaporator Temperature (ACET) Sensor STEP 8