P0114🔧 Air intake / intake air temperature sensorDrive with caution, fix soon

P0114: Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

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

What P0114 means

The IAT sensor measures the temperature of the air going into the engine. The engine computer (PCM) uses it together with the mass air flow (MAF) sensor to set fuel delivery and ignition timing, and per RepairPal some emission controls too. OBD-Codes.com explains that the IAT sensor is usually a two-wire thermistor fed a 5-volt reference by the PCM; its resistance changes with air temperature, and the PCM reads the resulting voltage changes as temperature changes. P0114 is the 'intermittent' code in the IAT family: OBD-Codes.com says it sets when the PCM detects a certain number of intermittent signals from the IAT circuit over a set period of time, and RepairPal says it sets when the IAT signal is erratic and/or drops in and out. The sensor may be in the air inlet pipe or air box, threaded into the intake manifold, or built into the MAF sensor housing. Related IAT codes include P0110 (circuit), P0111 (range/performance), P0112 (circuit low) and P0113 (circuit high).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

Get it diagnosed soon. The sources disagree on how serious it is: RepairPal rates P0114 'Moderate' severity, while OBD-Codes.com says it should be treated as severe because the engine computer uses the IAT signal to set fuel delivery. If the engine hesitates, surges, or runs poorly (especially on cold starts), get it checked sooner, and don't ignore new or flashing warning lights.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

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

  1. IAT sensor connector left unplugged or loose, often after an air filter check or change (OBD-Codes.com calls this by far the most common cause)
  2. Open or shorted IAT wiring or connectors, including corrosion at the connector
  3. Defective IAT sensor
  4. Faulty MAF sensor
  5. Clogged or dirty air filter
  6. Broken air intake inlet pipe (listed by OBD-Codes.com)

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 the air filter was recently serviced, first check that the IAT sensor (or MAF sensor, if the IAT is built into it) is plugged in and its connector is fully latched.
  2. Read and write down all stored codes and freeze frame data, then clear the codes and test drive. OBD-Codes.com says to continue diagnosing only if the code comes back.
  3. Look over the IAT wiring and connector for corrosion, chafing or damage. OBD-Codes.com notes the connector can corrode because it often sits near the battery and coolant reservoir.
  4. Check the air filter and the air inlet pipe; replace a clogged filter and repair a cracked or broken inlet pipe.
  5. With a scan tool, compare the live IAT reading with the actual air temperature (OBD-Codes.com suggests an infrared thermometer). With the engine running, gently wiggle the IAT wiring and connector and watch for sudden jumps in the reading.

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

  • The code comes back after checking the connector, wiring and air filter
  • Testing needs a scan tool and a multimeter: checking for a steady 5-volt reference and a good ground at the connector with the key on and engine off (per RepairPal), and comparing sensor resistance and output voltage with the manufacturer's temperature chart (per OBD-Codes.com)
  • The fault only shows up while driving and needs a road test logging IAT against coolant temperature, engine load, throttle position, RPM and speed (per RepairPal)
  • Sensor, wiring and connectors all test good; OBD-Codes.com says to then suspect a faulty PCM or a PCM programming error, and a shop can check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) on your vehicle
  • 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 P0114?

Usually for a short time, but get it checked. RepairPal rates it 'Moderate', while OBD-Codes.com says to treat it as severe because the IAT signal affects fuel delivery. If the engine hesitates, surges or runs poorly, have it looked at sooner.

I just changed my air filter and now have P0114. Why?

OBD-Codes.com says the most common cause of P0114 by far is an IAT sensor connector left unplugged after the air filter is checked or replaced. Check that the IAT (or MAF) connector is plugged in and latched, then clear the code.

What's the difference between P0114 and P0111?

Both point to an IAT reading the computer doesn't trust. P0114 means the signal drops in and out or turns erratic (an intermittent circuit problem), while P0111 is a range/performance code for a signal that changes implausibly or doesn't agree with other readings. Loose connections and wiring are common causes of both.

Does P0114 mean the IAT sensor is bad?

Not necessarily. RepairPal warns the sensor is often replaced when the real cause is a dirty air filter, a poor connection or chafed wiring, or the MAF sensor, so check those first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0114 Intake Air Temperature Circuit Intermittent (Stephen Darby, ASE)
  2. RepairPal: P0114 OBD-II code (rated Moderate)

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