The IAT sensor or intake air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the intake air temperature sensor and sends it to the ECU.
When an IAT sensor sends the temperature reading to the car ECU, the ECU uses this data to adjust different factors affecting the combustion in the chamber.
The ECU uses the temperature data to optimize the combustion in the combustion chamber so that no unburnt fuel is left in the chamber.
In this powerful article, you will learn the OBD 2 error code “P0113 intake air temperature sensor 1 circuit high” causes and solutions in very easy-to-understand language.
Related Post: Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor, How It Works & Function
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High
The Intake Air Temperature sensor 1 circuit high is an error of the IAT sensor and is designated trouble code P0113. If the check engine light turns on and is showing this code then there could be a problem with the IAT sensor or the circuit.
When the computer gets any unusual reading that is over the maximum value, it switches on the check engine light on the dashboard of your car and logs the P0113 error code.
When the ECU notices that the intake air temperature sensor is not changing voltage and sends full voltage (Above the pre-programmed limit) to the ECU then it shows the P0113 error code (intake air temperature sensor 1 circuit high). The following might be the reasons why your IAT sensor might be malfunctioning:
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Causes
The Intake Air Temperature sensor 1 circuit high is a condition, which shows up for two reasons.
- The first one is when the temperature signal sent to the ECU by the IAT sensor is above the maximum value due to the internally dead sensor because the dead IAT sensor cannot resist the current and sends the full current back to the ECU.
- The second reason, all the way, the ECU does not receive back any voltage, which means the problem is in the circuit.
Using the word problem in the circuit, I mean there might be a broken, corroded, loosed, shorted, or damaged wire, which does not create a path for current flow between the ECU and IAT sensor.
Related Post: How To Test Intake Air Temp (IAT) Sensor With Multimeter
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Solution
The following are areas where the error may be present, target those areas to solve the problems.
- Check for the IAT sensor failure
- Check if the sensor might have gotten disconnected
- Check if one of the terminals of the IAT sensor may be damaged or corroded
- Check if one of the wires of the IAT sensor might have shorted to voltage or ground
- Check for the circuit might not be closed
- Check for the Connector full not seated properly or check for a loose connector
- Check for the open reference wire
- Check for the open ground wire
- Check for the reference wire shorted to a 12-volt circuit inside the wiring harness
Related Post: Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Location
Can I Drive The Car With The P0113 Code?
If you ignore the check engine light displaying on your dashboard of the car, it will not affect the normal running of the car as the ECU will assume a default value from the IAT sensor that would be compatible with the combustion and will continue to run the car smoothly, but in an older car, the outcome could be drastically different.
Older cars could emit horrible black smoke with no power; therefore, the safety strategy described above was devised.
In newer cars, however, with the intake air temperature sensor 1 circuit high output of the IAT sensor, there might be a problem with starting the car on a cold morning. This is why you must not ignore the P0113 error code and attend to it as soon as possible.
Related Post: IAT Sensor Wiring Diagram
Final Conclusion
When the ECU of the car gets a signal from the IAT sensor that is above the maximum value that it can generate, it knows that the IAT sensor of the car has malfunctioned or the ground wire is shorted to another wire in the wiring harness.
So, whenever you see a P0113 error code “the intake air temperature sensor 1 circuit high”, understand it is either the sensor is dead, which cannot resist the current, or all the way no current is received by the ECU (due to a circuit problem).
Related Post: 7 Symptoms Of Bad Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The intake air temperature sensor is responsible for measuring the temperature of the air that enters the engine. Over time, the sensor can become dirty and cause the engine to run less efficiently. To clean the sensor, you will need to remove it and spray the sensor with a cleaner and use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the sensor. It is important to make sure that the sensor is completely dry before reinstalling it.
The intake air temperature sensor is an important component of the engine management system. It helps the engine control unit (ECU) to determine the density of the air entering the engine, which affects the amount of fuel that needs to be injected. If the sensor is not working properly, the ECU will not be able to properly adjust the fuel mixture, leading to poor engine performance and decreased fuel economy.
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