Failed intake air temperature sensor 2, shorted internally or damaged (both sources; OBD-Codes.com calls it the usual cause). Signal circuit shorted to ground (OBD-Codes.com). Damaged sensor connector (OBD-Codes.com). Wiring issue, including an open reference wire (both sources). Genuinely excessive intake air temperatures (OBD-Codes.com). Engine computer (PCM) failure (both sources).

Replace intake air temperature sensor 2 when the reading drops to minimum with it unplugged (OBD-Codes.com). Find and repair a short to ground on the signal wire. Repair or replace a damaged connector or wiring (RepairPal lists wiring issues). Suspect the PCM only after the sensor and wiring check out (both sources list it as a possible cause).

P0097🔧 Air intake / intake air temperature sensorDrive with caution, fix soon

P0097: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0097 mean?

P0097 means the engine computer is getting a low signal from intake air temperature sensor 2. A low signal from this kind of sensor reads as very hot air, so the computer may think the incoming air is far hotter than it really is. The usual cause is a failed sensor, followed by a shorted signal wire, a damaged connector or, rarely, the engine computer. An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor: the engine computer (PCM) sends it a 5 volt reference and a ground, and its resistance drops as the air gets warmer, which pulls the signal voltage down. OBD-Codes.com explains that P0097 sets when the PCM sees sensor 2 report an unusually high temperature, for example around 300 degrees, while the engine itself is still relatively cool. RepairPal describes the second sensor 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. P0097 is a generic OBD2 code.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0097?

Drive with caution, fix soon. RepairPal rates P0097 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, but a bad reading can raise NOx emissions and may cause pinging (spark knock) under load, and RepairPal lists reduced performance and higher fuel use. If the engine pings or pulls noticeably weaker, ease off heavy loads and towing until it is checked.

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0097 means

An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor: the engine computer (PCM) sends it a 5 volt reference and a ground, and its resistance drops as the air gets warmer, which pulls the signal voltage down. OBD-Codes.com explains that P0097 sets when the PCM sees sensor 2 report an unusually high temperature, for example around 300 degrees, while the engine itself is still relatively cool. RepairPal describes the second sensor 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. P0097 is a generic OBD2 code.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

RepairPal rates P0097 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, but a bad reading can raise NOx emissions and may cause pinging (spark knock) under load, and RepairPal lists reduced performance and higher fuel use. If the engine pings or pulls noticeably weaker, ease off heavy loads and towing until it is checked.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on, possibly with no other symptoms (OBD-Codes.com)
Decreased engine performance (RepairPal)
Increased fuel consumption (RepairPal)
Engine pinging (spark knock) under load (OBD-Codes.com)
Higher NOx readings on an emissions test (OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Failed intake air temperature sensor 2, shorted internally or damaged (both sources; OBD-Codes.com calls it the usual cause)
Signal circuit shorted to ground (OBD-Codes.com)
Damaged sensor connector (OBD-Codes.com)
Wiring issue, including an open reference wire (both sources)
Genuinely excessive intake air temperatures (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine computer (PCM) failure (both sources)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

With a scan tool, read the intake air temperature 2 value on a cold engine. OBD-Codes.com says it should roughly match the coolant temperature reading, since both start at outside temperature.
If it reads far too hot, inspect the sensor connector and wiring for damage, chafing or corrosion (OBD-Codes.com).
Unplug the sensor and check the reading again. OBD-Codes.com says it should drop to the minimum, around -20 degrees; if it does, the sensor itself is the likely fault.
Check that the intake ducting and intercooler tubing are intact so the engine is not drawing hot under-hood air (OBD-Codes.com).

Typical fixes

Replace intake air temperature sensor 2 when the reading drops to minimum with it unplugged (OBD-Codes.com)
Find and repair a short to ground on the signal wire
Repair or replace a damaged connector or wiring (RepairPal lists wiring issues)
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 last test is measuring resistance across the harness terminals with the sensor unplugged: infinite resistance with a still-high reading points to the PCM, while anything less points to a short in the signal circuit. 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.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I keep driving with P0097?

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 temperature reading can cost performance and fuel economy and may cause pinging under load.

Why does a low circuit mean the air reads hot?

The sensor's resistance falls as air warms, which pulls the signal voltage down. So a low signal, whether from a shorted sensor or a signal wire touching ground, looks to the computer like very hot air. OBD-Codes.com gives an example of a reading around 300 degrees on a cool engine.

What is the difference between P0097 and P0112?

Both are low-signal codes for an intake air temperature sensor. P0112 is for sensor 1, and P0097 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 explains it as the PCM seeing an unusually high temperature from sensor 2 on a cool engine, while RepairPal says the PCM finds the reading not plausible and frames the sensor as a diesel charge air cooler sensor. OBD-Codes.com treats it as a generic code for any OBD2 vehicle and also lists genuinely high intake air temperatures as a cause, which RepairPal does not.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.