P0113: The intake air temperature signal is stuck at a reading colder than any real air could be
Intake air temperature sensor circuit high
Severity: Monitor
When the car drives normally this is a sensor-circuit fault to fix when convenient; the symptoms to watch for, per Saab's service information, are rough idle and poor driving.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine idles roughly or drives poorly with this code.
- Stop: Stop if the check engine light starts flashing: that means an active misfire hot enough to damage the catalytic converter. Pull over where nothing flammable is under the car and let it cool.
P0113 in short
P0113 means the intake air temperature sensor reads colder than real air could be, which almost always means an open circuit. Check for an unplugged or corroded connector and broken wiring before replacing the sensor, which is often built into the MAF. Most cars drive normally; get it checked if the idle turns rough.
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor tells the engine computer how warm the incoming air is, so it can fine-tune fuel and ignition. It is a resistor whose value changes with temperature; the computer reads it as a voltage.
P0113 sets when that voltage sits at the high end, which the computer reads as extremely cold air. On the 2008 Saab 9-3, for example, it sets when the reading stays below about -35 °C for three seconds. Air is rarely that cold, so the usual cause is an open circuit: a disconnected or corroded connector, a broken wire or a sensor that has failed open.
On many engines the IAT sensor is built into the MAF sensor housing, so a connector left unplugged after air-filter work can set this code. Fix the connector or wiring first; replace the sensor only when they test good.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Unplugged, loose or corroded intake air temperature sensor connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- An open circuit reads as extremely cold air, which is exactly what this code catches. A connector left off after air-filter or intake work is the simplest version.
- What would change this
- A connector that is loose, corroded or disconnected confirms it.
Cause 2: Open signal or ground wire to the sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- A broken signal or ground wire also reads as an open circuit. Saab's procedures check harness continuity and ground before the sensor.
- What would change this
- A wire that fails a continuity check confirms it.
Cause 3: Failed intake air temperature sensor (separate, or built into the MAF sensor)
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- With the wiring and connector proven good, the sensor itself is open internally. On many engines it is part of the MAF sensor, so the whole unit is replaced.
- What would change this
- A reading that stays at the cold limit with good wiring and voltage at the connector confirms it.
Cause 4: Reference voltage or engine computer input fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Rarely, the problem is the reference voltage or the computer's input. Saab's procedure checks voltages at the connector before condemning the sensor.
- What would change this
- Incorrect reference voltage at the connector with sound wiring raises this.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: With a scan tool, read intake air temperature on a cold engine and compare it with the outside temperature
IfThe reading is pinned at its lowest value (about -40)
It meansThe circuit is open; check the connector.
IfThe reading is plausible now
It meansThe fault is intermittent; check the connector and harness.
Step 2: With the key off, check the sensor connector is latched, clean and undamaged, then watch the reading while wiggling the harness
IfThe connector is loose, corroded or disconnected, or the reading changes when wiggled
It meansRepair the connector.
Points to: Unplugged, loose or corroded intake air temperature sensor connector
IfThe connector looks good
It meansTest the circuit.
Step 3: Check reference voltage at the connector and continuity of the signal and ground wires to the engine computer
Warning:Back-probe connectors gently and never pierce wire insulation; follow the wiring diagram for your engine.
IfA wire is open
It meansRepair the wiring.
IfReference voltage is missing with good wiring
It meansThe computer's input or supply is at fault.
IfVoltage and wiring are good
It meansThe sensor is open internally; replace it.
Points to: Failed intake air temperature sensor (separate, or built into the MAF sensor)
Symptoms
- Check engine light with no change in how the car drives (most common)
- Rough idle or poor driveability Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off, check that the intake air temperature or MAF sensor connector is fully latched, especially if the air filter was recently changed.
Step 2: Look along the sensor wiring for chafing or breaks, and at the connector for green corrosion or bent pins.
Parts and cost context
- Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor:Often inexpensive as a separate part, but on many engines it is built into the MAF sensor, which costs more. Confirm the circuit before buying.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
RamYour car
2015 · Promaster City
Supported by vehicle dataOn the 2015 ProMaster City, strain on the IAT sensor wiring can cause P0113; the bulletin adds a jumper harness.
08-011-16Status unverified
IAT sensor jumper harness
2015promaster-city · issued · NHTSA 10120527
Strain on the wiring at the intake air temperature sensor connector can lead to P0113; the bulletin adds a jumper harness to relieve the strain.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
All Air metering (MAF, MAP and intake air temperature) codes
P0113 questions
Can I drive with P0113?
Usually, if the car drives normally. Get it fixed when convenient, and sooner if the idle becomes rough or the engine drives poorly, because a wrong air temperature reading affects fuelling.
I just changed my air filter and now have P0113. Why?
On many cars the air temperature sensor sits in the MAF sensor or the intake duct, and its connector is easy to leave unplugged or half-latched during filter work. Check it first.
Do I need a new MAF sensor for P0113?
Only if the IAT sensor is built into the MAF and testing shows the sensor is open internally. Check the connector and wiring first.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with this code?
Not while the check engine light is on; under the federal OBD inspection procedure a lit light with stored codes is a failure. After the repair the light normally goes out after three good drives, and readiness monitors must complete before a retest.
Sources and review
- Saab 9-2X 2.5i (2005) WIS DTC P0113: Intake air temperature circuit high input
- Saab 9-3 (2008) WIS DTC P0113 00 (ME9): Intake air temperature sensor circuit short to B+ / open circuit
- Final Regulation Order: 13 CCR §1968.2, Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) for 2004 and later passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles
- 2026 Honda Pilot Owner's Manual: Indicator Coming On/Blinking (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
- Saab 9-2X 2.5i (2005) WIS DTC P0101: Mass or volume air flow circuit range/performance
- Saab 9-2X 2.5i (2005) WIS DTC P0102: Mass or volume air flow circuit low input
- FCA US (Stellantis) bulletin 08-011-16: IAT sensor jumper harness
- 40 CFR §85.2222 Onboard diagnostic test procedures
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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