Powertrain, generic

P0EAE A/C Compressor Motor Current Sensor Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P0EAE says the compressor current reading is electrically valid but does not fit the operating state, for example a value that does not match motor speed or load. Audi documents the code for the 2016 A3 e-tron: P0EAE00 is stored as a passive or sporadic entry in the Climatronic module J255, the MIL is lit at the request of another module over the vehicle network while the engine module holds no code, and P26FD00 may appear alongside. Audi bulletin 2047037 blames a software calculation error in the compressor self-test and the refrigerant system check; technicians follow the guided test plan, replace the compressor only if it directs them to, and update J255 from software 0510 to 0520. CARB requires A/C components used by other diagnostics to be monitored. Circuit faults of this sensor are P0EAD, P0EAF and P0EB0.

Likely causes

Calculation error in the climate module software (Audi A3 e-tron, update available)
Drifting current measurement in the compressor
Internal compressor fault confirmed by the guided test

Symptoms

  • MIL on without an engine module fault code
  • Air conditioning may or may not be restricted
  • Entry stored as passive or sporadic

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–2,500
Time0.5–5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

ac compressor motor current sensorac compressor modulehvac control module

Related codes

P0EADP0EAFP0EB0P26FDP0D6F

References: static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu.