P0113
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Bank 1.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Low severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 1
- AreaFuel and air metering
- 13
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0113 means the engine control unit has seen a voltage on the intake air temperature sensor 1 circuit that is higher than expected, which equates to an implausibly low air temperature (typically below about -40°C). This is usually caused by an open circuit, a broken signal or ground wire, or a failed sensor. The control unit then substitutes a default air temperature value for fuel and ignition calculations.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hard or extended cranking when starting, especially when warm
- Rough idle or hesitation under acceleration
- Poor fuel economy
- Slight loss of power or a rich-running smell
- Black smoke from the exhaust in some cases
Possible causes
- Faulty intake air temperature sensor (open circuit internally)likely
- Damaged, corroded or loose sensor connector or terminalslikely
- Open circuit or high resistance in the signal or ground wire between the sensor and the control unitlikely
- Signal wire shorted to a voltage supply (such as a 5 volt reference)possible
- Faulty combined air flow and temperature sensor, where the temperature sensor is built into the air flow meter (depends on model and engine)possible
- Fault inside the engine control unitrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including the reported intake air temperature and engine coolant temperature.
- With the engine cold, compare the live intake air temperature reading with the coolant temperature and ambient temperature. A reading stuck at an extreme low value points to an open circuit.
- Inspect the sensor, connector and wiring for damage, chafing, corrosion, water ingress or bent or pushed-back pins.
- Unplug the sensor and check the live data reading. Then bridge the two terminals in the harness connector using a suitable jumper lead. A reading that moves to a very high temperature confirms the wiring back to the control unit is healthy.
- Measure the sensor resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's temperature and resistance table for that model.
- Check the reference voltage and ground at the harness connector with a multimeter, following the wiring diagram for the vehicle.
- Test the signal and ground wires for continuity and for shorts to voltage or to each other.
- If the sensor is part of the air flow meter, check the sensor type and wiring layout for the specific model before condemning either part.
How to fix
- Replace the intake air temperature sensor, or the combined air flow sensor assembly where the temperature sensor is not available separately.
- Clean, repair or replace corroded or damaged connector terminals and secure the connector properly.
- Repair or replace open, chafed or shorted wiring between the sensor and the control unit.
- Correct any short to a voltage supply found in the harness.
- Once the repair is confirmed, clear the codes and road test to check that the fault does not return.
Can I keep driving?
The car can normally be driven as the control unit uses a default air temperature value, but expect poorer economy and possible hard starting. Book it in soon and avoid long journeys if it is running badly.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.