Intake Air Temperature Sensor Abnormal Reading
The intake air temperature sensor reading is out of range or invalid.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
The sensor that measures how hot the air going into the engine is acting up, showing a temperature that doesn't make sense.
What the computer is actually seeing
The engine control module (ECM) expects a range from -40°C to 125°C for intake air temperature. If it sees readings outside of this range or no reading at all for more than 2 seconds, it triggers this code.
What a healthy reading looks like
Expected intake air temp should be between 0°C and 60°C during normal operation; if the vehicle's ambient temp is 20°C, intake should be close to that after the engine warms up.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Check the wiring and connectors to the intake air temperature sensor for damage or corrosion. Decision: Repair damaged wiring or replace bad connectors if found.
- 22. Test the intake air temperature sensor outside the vehicle environment. Use a multimeter to check its resistance. Compare measured values with specified values based on temperature (see manufacturer specs). Decision: Replace the sensor if it shows incorrect resistance readings.
- 33. Verify the intake air temperature sensor's electrical circuit by measuring the voltage at the ECM connector when the engine is on. You should see roughly 0.5V to 4.5V. Decision: If out of range, check wiring continuity back to the sensor or test the ECM. Repair as needed.
Common causes
- Faulty intake air temperature sensor
- Wiring issues (frayed or broken wires)
- Bad connector (corrosion or loose connection)
- ECM fault
- Incorrect installation or positioning of the sensor
Typical repair cost
$$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?
It is drivable, but you may notice reduced engine performance and fuel economy. Fix soon.
Will this code return after I clear it?
If the underlying issue isn't fixed, it will likely come back after driving for a while.
Why does this code sometimes pair with other SPN codes?
It often occurs with related sensor codes due to wiring issues or faults in the intake air system.
Working a real vehicle right now?
Let DiagCoach walk you through it live with your specific symptoms, vehicle, and what you've already checked.
Start guided diagnostic →