P0098🔧 Air intake / intake air temperature sensorDrive with caution, fix soon

P0098: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

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

What P0098 means

An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor: its resistance drops as air warms up. The engine computer (PCM) supplies a 5 volt reference to the sensor, so cold air means a high signal voltage and warm air a low one. OBD-Codes.com says P0098 sets when the PCM sees a signal voltage higher than 5 volts on the #2 IAT sensor circuit. A high voltage reads as very cold air, so a scan tool may show an implausibly low temperature. 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. P0098 is a generic OBD2 code.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

RepairPal rates P0098 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 will likely be no symptoms other than the check engine light, 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

Likely causes

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

  1. Internally failed intake air temperature sensor 2 (both sources)
  2. Faulty connection at the sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
  3. Open in the sensor ground or signal circuit (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. Short to voltage in the signal or reference circuit (OBD-Codes.com)
  5. Sensor wiring routed too close to high-voltage wiring such as alternator or spark plug cables (OBD-Codes.com)
  6. Wiring issue (RepairPal)
  7. Engine computer (PCM) failure, less likely (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.

  1. If other intake air temperature codes are stored, diagnose those first.
  2. With a scan tool, check the intake air temperature 2 reading. OBD-Codes.com says if the reading is logical, the problem is likely intermittent, so inspect the connector and harness for loose pins, damage or wiring routed near spark plug or alternator cables.
  3. If the reading is extremely cold (OBD-Codes.com uses less than -30 degrees as the example), unplug the sensor and put a jumper wire between the harness signal and ground terminals. The scan tool should jump to the hot extreme (around 280 F or higher). If it does, the wiring is fine and the sensor or its connection is the likely problem (OBD-Codes.com).
  4. Clear the code and see whether it returns before replacing parts.

Typical fixes

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 follow-up test: if jumping the harness signal and ground terminals does not max out the reading, jumper the signal wire to chassis ground. If the reading now maxes out, look for an open in the sensor ground circuit
  • If the scan tool shows no reading at all, check for the 5 volt reference with a digital volt-ohm meter, then unplug the PCM connector and check continuity of the signal circuit between the PCM and the sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
  • 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 P0098?

Usually for a short while. RepairPal rates it moderate and OBD-Codes.com says there will likely be no symptoms beyond the check engine light. Get it checked soon, though, because a wrong intake temperature reading can cost performance and fuel economy.

How is P0098 different from P0097?

Both are for intake air temperature sensor 2. P0098 is a high signal voltage, which reads as very cold air and usually points to an open circuit or short to voltage. P0097 is a low signal voltage, which reads as very hot air and usually points to a short to ground. P0095 is the general circuit code and P0096 range/performance.

Why do people search P0098 with the 6.0 Powerstroke or Duramax?

Google search suggestions for P0098 include Ford 6.0 Powerstroke and Duramax diesel trucks, which fits RepairPal's description of sensor 2 as a diesel charge air cooler sensor. Neither source gives a model-specific fix, so check a service manual or technical service bulletins for your truck.

Do the sources agree on the details?

Mostly. Both name a failed sensor, wiring and, less often, the PCM. They describe the trigger differently: OBD-Codes.com says the PCM saw signal voltage above 5 volts on the #2 sensor, while RepairPal says the PCM found the reading not plausible. RepairPal frames sensor 2 as a diesel charge air cooler sensor, while OBD-Codes.com treats P0098 as a generic code for any OBD2 vehicle. OBD-Codes.com also adds wiring routed near high-voltage cables as a cause, which RepairPal does not mention.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0098 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
  2. RepairPal: P0098 OBD-II code (severity, symptoms, common causes)

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