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SPN 5404moderate severity✨ AI-generated

Engine Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit

The engine intake air temperature sensor signal is out of range.

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 computer is reading the temperature of the air going into the engine, and it's seeing a number that's too high or too low compared to what it expects.

What the computer is actually seeing

The engine control module expects the intake air temperature to vary between 15°F and 200°F (-9°C to 93°C) during normal operation.

What a healthy reading looks like

Intake air temperature should generally be around 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C) for efficient combustion but can vary with ambient conditions.

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.

  1. 11. Check the intake air temperature sensor connector for corrosion or loose wires. If damaged, repair or replace. If good, proceed to step 2.
  2. 22. Measure the resistance of the intake air temperature sensor with a multimeter. At 77°F (25°C), it should read between 2.5k ohms to 3.5k ohms. If out of range, replace the sensor.
  3. 33. Inspect the wiring from the sensor to the ECM for continuity and shorts. If wiring is damaged, repair it. If undamaged, proceed to step 4.
  4. 44. Use a scan tool to check for additional fault codes. If other codes are present that point to a broader issue, address those first. If no other codes are present, verify the ECM functionality.

Common causes

  • Faulty intake air temperature sensor
  • Open or shorted wiring between the sensor and the ECM
  • Poor connections at the sensor
  • Extreme outside temperatures affecting the sensor reading
  • ECM software issue

Typical repair cost

$$

Related codes

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drive with this code?

It's moderate severity, so the vehicle is drivable, but performance and emissions may be affected. It's best to fix soon.

Will this code come back after clearing it?

If the underlying issue is not fixed, the code will likely return after clearing.

Why does this code pair with other intake sensor codes?

Multiple intake sensor codes can indicate a common issue, like faulty wiring or a bad sensor affecting readings.

Working a real vehicle right now?

Let DiagCoach walk you through it live with your specific symptoms, vehicle, and what you've already checked.

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