Internally failed IAT sensor. Faulty or corroded connection at the IAT sensor. Open in the IAT signal or ground circuit. Short to voltage in the IAT signal or reference circuit. IAT wiring routed too close to high-voltage wiring such as the alternator or spark plug cables (noted by OBD-Codes.com). Dirty air filter or a defective MAF sensor (listed by RepairPal). Faulty PCM (less likely).

Repair or clean the IAT sensor connector. Repair open, shorted or chafed IAT wiring, or reroute it away from high-voltage wiring. Replace the IAT sensor (or the MAF sensor where the IAT is built into it). Replace a dirty air filter. PCM repair or replacement only after the sensor and wiring are confirmed good.

P0113🔧 Air intake / intake air temperature sensorUsually OK to drive

P0113: Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 1 Circuit High (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0113 mean?

P0113 means the engine computer is seeing a signal from the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor that is too high, which the sensor reports as very cold air. The usual causes are a failed IAT sensor, a bad connection at the sensor, or an open or shorted wire in its circuit. The IAT sensor measures the temperature of the air going into the engine, and the engine computer (PCM) uses it to help set fuel delivery and, per RepairPal, ignition timing and some emission controls. OBD-Codes.com explains that the PCM supplies a 5-volt reference to the sensor, which is a thermistor: as air gets warmer its resistance drops, so cold air (or a broken circuit) produces a high signal voltage. P0113 sets when that signal voltage is higher than the PCM expects. On many vehicles the IAT sensor is built into the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Sources differ on the exact threshold: OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when the PCM sees a signal higher than 5 volts, while RepairPal says it sets when the signal stays above 4.5 volts while coolant temperature readings are behaving normally. Thresholds vary by manufacturer. Related IAT codes include P0110 (circuit), P0111 (range/performance), P0112 (circuit low) and P0114 (intermittent).

Q: Can I keep driving with P0113?

Usually OK to drive. Usually OK to drive short-term, but get it diagnosed. RepairPal rates P0113 'Moderate' severity, and OBD-Codes.com says there will likely be no symptoms other than the check engine light. If the engine is hard to start, hesitates on acceleration or runs poorly, get it checked sooner, and don't ignore new or flashing warning lights.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 3 cited source(s)

What P0113 means

The IAT sensor measures the temperature of the air going into the engine, and the engine computer (PCM) uses it to help set fuel delivery and, per RepairPal, ignition timing and some emission controls. OBD-Codes.com explains that the PCM supplies a 5-volt reference to the sensor, which is a thermistor: as air gets warmer its resistance drops, so cold air (or a broken circuit) produces a high signal voltage. P0113 sets when that signal voltage is higher than the PCM expects. On many vehicles the IAT sensor is built into the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Sources differ on the exact threshold: OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when the PCM sees a signal higher than 5 volts, while RepairPal says it sets when the signal stays above 4.5 volts while coolant temperature readings are behaving normally. Thresholds vary by manufacturer. Related IAT codes include P0110 (circuit), P0111 (range/performance), P0112 (circuit low) and P0114 (intermittent).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Usually OK to drive

Usually OK to drive short-term, but get it diagnosed. RepairPal rates P0113 'Moderate' severity, and OBD-Codes.com says there will likely be no symptoms other than the check engine light. If the engine is hard to start, hesitates on acceleration or runs poorly, get it checked sooner, and don't ignore new or flashing warning lights.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Often no other symptoms (per OBD-Codes.com)
Hard starting or poor fuel economy in some cases (listed by RepairPal)
Poor engine performance or hesitation on acceleration (listed by RepairPal)

Likely causes

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

Internally failed IAT sensor
Faulty or corroded connection at the IAT sensor
Open in the IAT signal or ground circuit
Short to voltage in the IAT signal or reference circuit
IAT wiring routed too close to high-voltage wiring such as the alternator or spark plug cables (noted by OBD-Codes.com)
Dirty air filter or a defective MAF sensor (listed by RepairPal)
Faulty PCM (less likely)

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.

Read all stored codes. Other sensor voltage codes appearing together (for example coolant temperature or MAP codes) can point to a shared wiring, ground or reference-voltage problem.
Check the air filter and replace it if dirty.
Find the IAT sensor (in the intake duct, air box, or built into the MAF sensor) and check that its connector is fully seated, clean and not corroded.
Inspect the sensor wiring for breaks, chafing or routing too close to spark plug wires or the alternator.
With a scan tool showing live data, check the IAT reading. OBD-Codes.com says a sensible reading suggests the fault is intermittent, while a reading of -30 degrees or lower calls for testing the sensor wiring (it describes a jumper-wire test at the connector to tell a wiring fault from a sensor fault).
If the sensor was recently disturbed (for example after an air filter change), reconnect it properly, clear the code and see if it returns.

Typical fixes

Repair or clean the IAT sensor connector
Repair open, shorted or chafed IAT wiring, or reroute it away from high-voltage wiring
Replace the IAT sensor (or the MAF sensor where the IAT is built into it)
Replace a dirty air filter
PCM repair or replacement only after the sensor and wiring are confirmed good

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

The code comes back after checking the connector and wiring
Testing needs a scan tool and a digital multimeter (checking the 5-volt reference, ground and signal continuity back to the PCM)
Several sensor codes appear together, which can mean a shared circuit or PCM problem
RepairPal warns the IAT sensor is often replaced when the real cause is a dirty air filter, a poor connection or chafed wiring, or the MAF sensor

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 drive with P0113?

Usually yes for a short time. OBD-Codes.com says there are often no symptoms besides the check engine light, and RepairPal rates it 'Moderate'. Still get it diagnosed, because a bad IAT reading can affect fueling, starting and fuel economy.

Does P0113 mean the IAT sensor is bad?

Not always. Both sources list wiring and connector problems, and RepairPal says the sensor is often replaced when the real cause is a dirty air filter, poor connection, chafed wiring or the MAF sensor.

What's the difference between P0112 and P0113?

P0112 is IAT circuit low (signal voltage too low, usually reported as very hot air), and P0113 is IAT circuit high (signal voltage too high, usually reported as very cold air).

Can P0113 show up after an air filter change?

It can if the IAT or MAF connector was knocked loose or not reconnected. Check the connector first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.