P0095: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Malfunction (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0095 means
An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor, usually a two-wire sensor in the intake ductwork or intake manifold. The engine computer (PCM) feeds it a 5 volt reference that doubles as the signal wire, plus a ground. Colder air raises the sensor's resistance and the signal voltage, and warmer air lowers both. OBD-Codes.com says P0095 sets when the PCM sees a voltage outside the normal operating range for sensor 2. RepairPal describes sensor 2 as the one diesel engines use to measure air going into the charge air cooler (intercooler), and says the code sets when the PCM decides the reading is not plausible. Where sensor 2 sits depends on the vehicle, so check a service manual for yours. P0095 is a generic OBD2 code.
Severity: can I keep driving?
Drive with caution, fix soon
RepairPal rates P0095 as moderate: it may not threaten the vehicle's safety or function right away, but it should be diagnosed within a reasonable time. OBD-Codes.com says there may be no symptoms beyond the check engine light, though poor drivability is possible, and RepairPal lists reduced performance and higher fuel use. If the engine runs noticeably worse, have it checked before long trips or towing.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on, possibly with no other symptoms (OBD-Codes.com)
- Poor drivability (OBD-Codes.com)
- Decreased engine performance (RepairPal)
- Increased fuel consumption (RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Failed intake air temperature sensor 2 (both sources)
- Sensor knocked or shifted out of the airflow (OBD-Codes.com)
- Signal circuit shorted to ground or open (OBD-Codes.com)
- Open in the sensor's ground circuit (OBD-Codes.com)
- Poor connection at the sensor, such as backed-out terminals or a broken connector lock (OBD-Codes.com)
- Wiring issue (RepairPal)
- Engine computer (PCM) failure (both sources)
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Look at the sensor first and make sure it is still seated in its duct and has not been dislodged (OBD-Codes.com).
- With a scan tool, key on and engine off, read the intake air temperature 2 value on a cold engine. OBD-Codes.com says it should match the coolant temperature reading within a few degrees.
- If it shows an extreme such as -40 or 300 degrees, unplug the sensor and measure resistance across its two terminals against the spec in a repair manual. OBD-Codes.com says to replace the sensor if it is out of spec or reads infinite resistance.
- Inspect the connector for backed-out terminals, broken locks and corrosion (OBD-Codes.com).
Typical fixes
- Reseat or properly mount a dislodged sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
- Replace intake air temperature sensor 2 when its resistance is out of spec (OBD-Codes.com)
- Repair a short to ground, an open signal wire or an open ground (OBD-Codes.com)
- Repair a damaged connector or wiring (both sources)
- Suspect the PCM only after the sensor and wiring check out (both sources list it as a possible cause)
Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.
🛠 When to call a pro
- OBD-Codes.com's deeper tests: if the reading sits at the hot extreme and does not change when the sensor is unplugged, check the signal wire for continuity to ground at the PCM connector; if it sits at the cold extreme, confirm 5 volts and ground at the sensor, then jumper the two terminals and see whether the reading jumps to the hot extreme. A reading that will not move points to an open in the harness or the PCM. A shop with wiring diagrams can trace this
- PCM testing, replacement or reprogramming
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I keep driving with P0095?
Usually for a short while. RepairPal rates it moderate and OBD-Codes.com says there may be no symptoms beyond the warning light. Get it checked soon, though, because a wrong intake temperature reading can cost performance and fuel economy.
How is P0095 different from P0096 to P0099?
P0095 is the general circuit code for intake air temperature sensor 2. P0096 is range/performance, P0097 a low signal, P0098 a high signal and P0099 an intermittent or erratic signal, all for the same sensor. OBD-Codes.com lists them together as related IAT codes.
What is the difference between P0095 and P0110?
Both are circuit codes for an intake air temperature sensor. P0110 is for sensor 1, and P0095 is for sensor 2, which RepairPal describes as the sensor measuring air going into the charge air cooler on diesel engines.
Do the sources agree on the details?
Mostly. Both name a failed sensor, wiring and the PCM. They describe the trigger differently: OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when the sensor 2 voltage is outside its normal operating range, while RepairPal says the PCM finds the reading not plausible. RepairPal frames the sensor as a diesel charge air cooler sensor, while OBD-Codes.com treats it as a generic code for any OBD2 vehicle. OBD-Codes.com calls the code a circuit malfunction, and RepairPal titles it simply as the sensor 2 circuit.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.