P0113 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

Code P0113 Definition

Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit High Input Problem

What Does P0113 Mean?

The IAT sensor uses the air density and air temperature in the car’s environment and analyzes it to determine the correct amount of spark and fuel injected. This helps the engine to start up on a cold day and also keeps consistent fuel economy during hot days. When the code P0113 is set, it means that your engine’s computer sees a signal above the normal 4.91 volts of reference voltage for .5 seconds or more to the IAT sensor.

P0113 Symptoms

• Check Engine Light
• Trouble starting the engine
• Engine running lean

P0113 Causes

• Faulty/Loose IAT sensor
• Faulty/Loose wiring connections

Code P0113 Severity – Moderate   

It is okay to drive a vehicle with P0113 for a short period of time, but driving with this code for an extended period of time can cause internal engine damage due to the engine running so lean. Which will result in more costly repairs in the future.

Code P0113 Common Diagnosis Mistakes

Replacing the IAT sensor without checking for loose/corroded wiring around the sensor.

P0113 Diagnosis

• Tools Needed to Diagnose:
  • FIXD
  • Multimeter
  • Scan gauge

Difficulty of Diagnosis and Repair – (1-4)

1. Check the air temperature to compare the temperature with the coolant temperature. Let the car run for 5-10 minutes to let the car warm up before checking.
   1. Usually the air temperature is a little lower than the coolant temperature if working properly.
2. Visually examine the wiring to the IAT sensor to look for loose or corroded circuitry.
3. Use your multimeter to measure IAT resistance. Remove the IAT from the vehicle – reference your car manual for the location of your IAT.
   1. Check the resistance of your IAT and then apply heat to the IAT sensor tip to see if the resistance decreases. If there is no change or an infinite resistance reading, this means your IAT is faulty and should be replaced.
4. If these steps do not clear your Check Engine Light, you may need to visit a mechanic because there may be internal issues with the PCM, ECM, etc.