P0113 – Intake Air Temp Sensor 1 Circuit High

How Urgent is P0113?

Code P0113 usually does not require immediately stopping driving, but it should be diagnosed and repaired soon to prevent potential drivability issues and increased emissions. If you experience rough running, stalling, or significantly reduced performance along with P0113, have the vehicle checked out promptly to avoid further damage.

What Does P0113 Mean?

P0113 is a generic powertrain code that applies to all makes and models 1996 and newer. It indicates the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a voltage above the normal reference voltage of 4.91 volts from the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 1 circuit for 0.5 seconds or longer.

Key Components

• Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor: A thermistor that measures the temperature of intake air entering the engine. Its resistance changes with temperature, allowing the ECM to determine air density and calculate the optimal air-fuel ratio.

• Engine Control Module (ECM): The vehicle's main computer that controls engine operation using data from the IAT and other sensors.

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• Sensor Wiring and Connectors: The electrical wiring and connections between the IAT sensor and ECM.

Common Causes of P0113

1. Faulty IAT sensor (most common)
2. Short or open circuit in IAT sensor wiring
3. Poor connection at IAT sensor or ECM connector
4. IAT sensor contaminated by oil or carbon buildup
5. Faulty ECM (rare)

Diagnosing P0113

1. Check for other codes and diagnose those first if present.
2. Visually inspect the IAT sensor, wiring, and connectors for damage, loose connections, or contamination.
3. Test IAT sensor resistance and compare to specs:
   • 7,500-10,500 Ω at 0°C (32°F)
   • 2,000-3,000 Ω at 20°C (68°F)
   • 300-400 Ω at 80°C (176°F)
4. If the sensor tests OK, check for shorts, opens, or high resistance in the wiring between the sensor and ECM.
5. An ECM issue is possible but unlikely. Suspect this if the sensor and wiring check out.

Fixes for P0113

• Replace a faulty IAT sensor
• Repair damaged wiring or connectors
• Clean a contaminated sensor with electrical parts cleaner
• Replace the ECM if faulty (rare)

Preventing P0113

• Regularly replace the engine air filter to keep debris from contaminating the IAT sensor
• Promptly repair any oil or coolant leaks that could foul the sensor

Typical Repair Costs

• IAT Sensor: $75-$200 (€65-€175)
• Wiring repair: $100-$300 (€85-€260)
• Labor: 0.5-2 hours at $75-$150/hr (€65-€130/hr)
• Total: $175-$500 (€150-€435)

Related Issues to Watch For

• P0112 IAT Sensor 1 Circuit Low Input
• P0111 IAT Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance
• Rough running, stalling, poor fuel economy, high emissions

If you're getting code P0113, some basic diagnosis and a few simple fixes can often resolve it without major expense. But putting off repairs risks further damage, so get it checked out soon. For expert help with P0113 or any other diagnostic trouble code, consult a professional technician.

Frequently Asked Questions About P0113

What does the P0113 code mean?

P0113 indicates the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a voltage signal from the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 1 that is above the normal expected range, typically close to or at 5 volts, for more than 0.5 seconds.

What are the symptoms of P0113?

Common symptoms of P0113 include:

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine may be hard to start
• Engine may run poorly or stall, especially when cold
• Increased fuel consumption and emissions
• ECM will use a default air temperature value and may enter “limp mode”

How serious is code P0113?

P0113 is moderately serious. It will not cause immediate engine damage but can lead to driveability issues and increased emissions. Extended driving with P0113 may cause internal engine damage due to excessively lean running conditions. The code should be diagnosed and repaired promptly.

What causes a P0113 code?

Potential causes of P0113 include:

• Faulty IAT sensor (most common)
• Short circuit or open circuit in IAT sensor wiring harness
• Poor electrical connection at IAT sensor or ECM
• Contaminated IAT sensor connector
• Faulty ECM (rare)

Can I drive with a P0113 code?

It is okay to drive short distances with a P0113 code, but extended driving can lead to engine damage from running too lean. Diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs later.

How do you diagnose a P0113 code?

To diagnose P0113:

1. Scan for other codes and diagnose those first.
2. Visually inspect the IAT sensor, wiring, and connectors for damage, corrosion, or poor connections.
3. Check IAT sensor resistance at various temperatures and compare it to specifications.
4. If the sensor tests okay, check the wiring between the sensor and ECM for shorts, opens, or high resistance.
5. If no wiring issues are found, the ECM is likely faulty, though this is rare.

How do you fix code P0113?

Fixes for P0113 include:

• Replacing a faulty IAT sensor
• Repairing damaged wiring or connectors
• Cleaning a contaminated sensor or connector
• Replacing the ECM if faulty (uncommon)

How much does it cost to fix a P0113 code?

Typical costs to repair P0113:

• IAT sensor: $75-$200
• Wiring repair: $100-$300 depending on the extent of damage
• Labor: 0.5-2 hours at $75-$150 per hour
• Total cost: $175-$500

Can a bad IAT sensor cause a car not to start?

Yes, a faulty IAT sensor can cause hard starting or a no-start condition if it causes the ECM to miscalculate the proper air-fuel ratio during cranking and startup.

Can a dirty air filter cause a P0113 code?

A dirty air filter alone will not trigger a P0113 code, but a severely restricted filter could potentially cause the intake air to heat up excessively and damage the IAT sensor over time.

What does the intake air temperature sensor do?

The IAT sensor measures the temperature of air entering the engine so the ECM can calculate air density and determine the correct air-fuel ratio for proper combustion under all conditions.

Where is the intake air temperature sensor located?

The IAT sensor is typically located in the intake air ducting between the air filter and throttle body. On some engines, it may be integrated with the mass airflow (MAF) sensor.

What happens if you unplug the intake air temperature sensor?

Unplugging the IAT sensor will trigger a P0113 code and cause the ECM to substitute a default air temperature value. This will likely cause poor running, hard starting, increased fuel consumption, and high emissions.

How do I test my intake air temperature sensor?

To test an IAT sensor:

1. Remove the sensor and let it cool to ambient temperature.
2. Connect an ohmmeter across the sensor terminals.
3. Compare resistance to manufacturer specs, typically 2000-3000 ohms at room temp.
4. Heat the sensor with a hairdryer and verify that resistance drops as the temperature rises.
5. If resistance is out of spec or doesn’t change with temperature, replace the sensor.

What is the normal voltage range for an intake air temperature sensor?

A typical IAT sensor outputs 5 volts at very low temperature and drops to around 1.5-2 volts at normal engine operating temperature. 4.5-5 volts at any temperature will trigger a P0113 code.

How do I know if my IAT sensor is bad?

Symptoms of a bad IAT sensor include:

• P0113 code is set
• Hard starting and rough running when the engine is cold
• Excessive fuel consumption and emissions
• Scan tool shows fixed high air temperature or erratic temperature changes
• Sensor fails resistance and voltage tests

What is the difference between an IAT sensor and a MAF sensor?

The IAT sensor measures intake air temperature while the MAF sensor measures airflow rate into the engine. Some MAF sensors have an integrated IAT sensor. Both provide critical inputs for the ECM to calculate air density and air mass to determine fuel injection.

Can a bad thermostat cause a P0113 code?

A faulty thermostat will not directly trigger a P0113 code, but a stuck open thermostat could cause the engine to run cooler than normal which may affect IAT sensor readings and lead to drivability issues.

Can a vacuum leak cause a P0113 code?

A vacuum leak downstream of the IAT sensor could potentially cause a P0113 by allowing warmer underhood air to enter the intake and heat up the sensor prematurely. However, vacuum leaks more commonly trigger lean mixture codes like P0171 and P0174.

Will disconnecting the battery clear a P0113 code?

Disconnecting the battery will clear the P0113 code from the ECM’s active memory, but it will not fix the underlying problem. The code will likely return after driving if the IAT circuit still has an issue. Always diagnose and repair the root cause of a code, don’t just erase it.

How often should I replace my intake air temperature sensor?

There is no regular replacement interval for IAT sensors. They typically last the life of the vehicle unless damaged by contamination, overheating, or other factors. Replace an IAT sensor only if it fails testing or sets a code.