P0113 “Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High”
What is code P0113?
Code P0113 stands for “Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit HIgh”. This diagnostic trouble code can show up for a number of reasons that have to do with the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor on your engine. Therefore, it is important to have a qualified technician diagnose the specific problem that caused the code to be stored in your vehicle’s computer.
Get this checked out soon by a CarAdvise shop, where the work will be guaranteed, and one of our expert techs will review any repair orders.
What does code P0113 mean?
When a diagnostic scan of your vehicle indicates a code P0113, a technician understands that there is something going on with the intake air temperature sensor.
Your engine requires that a specific mixture of air and fuel enter the combustion chambers in order for combustion to happen properly. When that air/fuel ratio is out of balance, whether too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (not enough fuel), your engine will not run as it should. Fuel economy also decreases, while harmful emissions from the exhaust system increase.
To help achieve this balance between air and fuel, several sensors are in place to monitor engine data. One of these sensors is the intake air sensor. The sensor might be mounted in the intake tube, air cleaner housing, or the intake manifold. In any case, the sensor detects the temperature of the air that enters the combustion chambers.
Since cool air is denser than warm air, more fuel is needed when temperatures are low. Conversely, on a warm day, less fuel is needed to mix with the less-dense air. The IAT sensor continuously monitors the temperature and relays the data to the ECM (Engine Control Module) that oversees engine function. The ECM then adjusts how much and at what pressure fuel is injected into the combustion chambers. It also adjusts when the spark plugs should fire and other dynamics in response to the intake air temperature level.
If the ECM detects an issue with the electrical signal coming from the IAT sensor, or the data is outside of reasonable limits, it might store code P0013 and turn on the check engine light.
What causes code P0113?
A number of causes can trigger a code P0113. That is why an accurate diagnosis is essential. Causes of this code include:
Most likely
- Faulty intake air temperature sensor (Avg. $155)
- Malfunctioning mass air flow sensor (Avg. $240)
Other possibilities
- Damaged, dirty, or deteriorated wiring to the intake air temperature sensor
- Corrosion on the sensor connector or ECM connector
- Bad ECM
What symptoms are associated with this code?
Common signs associated with a code P0113 include the following:
- The check engine light is on or flashing
- Reduced fuel economy
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Engine misfire or lacking in power
- Failed emissions test
How does a technician diagnose code P0113?
If a diagnostic scan of your vehicle indicates a code P0113, a technician will perform tests to pinpoint the problem. These tests include checking for any related trouble codes. The technician will also use the scan tool to read the live data from the IAT sensor. The wiring from the ECM to the IAT sensor will be inspected for cracks, corrosion, contamination, or bent pins on the connectors. The technician might also perform tests on the IAT sensor itself with a multimeter and verify that adequate voltage is reaching the sensor when it is in operation. If necessary, the technician might perform further inspection of the ECM to confirm proper operation.
How serious is this code?
Short-term issues associated with a code P0113 can lead to a failed emissions test, reduced fuel economy, and a rough-running engine. Long term, the problem that leads to this code (typically an engine that is running too rich or too lean) can cause internal engine damage, especially when under a heavy load, such as towing or off road operation. For these reasons, a code P0113 should be taken care of in a reasonable amount of time, generally a week or so.
Get this checked out soon by a CarAdvise shop, where the work will be guaranteed, and one of our expert techs will review any repair orders.
Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes
P0100 Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) Circuit Problem
P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) A Circuit Low
P0112 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low
