Air Intake Temperature Sensor

What is an Air Intake Temperature Sensor and where is it located?

The air intake temperature sensor, also known as an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor, air charge temperature (ACT) sensor, or manifold air temperature (MAT) sensor, measures the temperature of the outside air entering into the engine. The air temperature is used by the vehicle’s computer as a proxy for the air density. The colder the air is, the denser it is. The computer uses this information to adjust fuel injection and achieve the correct air to fuel ratio. 

Depending on your vehicle, the sensor may be mounted into the air intake box, the intake hose, or the intake manifold. The end of it will be exposed to the air headed towards the engines combustion chamber. The sensor receives a voltage from the computer. The output voltage is changed by a thermistor, a resistor whose resistance changes with the temperature. The computer uses that output voltage to determine the air temperature.

How do I know if my Air Intake Temperature Sensor needs to be replaced?

The air intake temperature sensor can be damaged, over time, by heat or get coated with fine dirt or carbon deposits. That will make the sensor give less accurate readings to the computer. That can make the engine run too lean or too rich, which can lead to a rough idle, knocking, misfires, or reduced gas mileage. An intake temperature sensor that reads too warm might also make it harder to start the engine in cold weather, since the engine needs more gas than normal to start in the cold. 

The computer might recognize that the sensor is giving faulty readings and cause the check engine light to come on. A diagnostic scan tool will show a code between P0095 and P0099 or between P0110 and P0114, as shown below. Often, though, when the check engine light has come on the IAT sensor has already been faulty for some time. 

OBDII Check Engine Codes related to Air Intake Temperature Sensors

P0095 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit
P0096 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance
P0097 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low
P0098 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
P0099 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
P0110 Intake Air Temperature Circuit Malfunction
P0111 Intake Air Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem
P0112 Intake Air Temperature Circuit Low Input
P0113 Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input
P0114 Intake Air Temperature Circuit Intermittent

Can I replace an IAT Sensor myself?

Removing the intake air temperature sensor is a fairly easy task. If it’s located on the air filter box or the intake hose, then the temp sensor will be easy to access. If the sensor is located on the intake manifold, you may have to remove the intake hose or other nearby parts. Then you can disconnect the sensor’s wiring harness, unbolt it, and pull it off. Reverse the above steps to install the new air charge temperature sensor. 

Need an Air Intake Temperature Sensor replacement?

Air charge temperature sensors are vital to the proper operation of any automobile. If a vehicle’s computer is getting inaccurate air temperature readings from an IAT sensor that has failed or been damaged, it will have a big effect on engine performance. It is vital that your sensor is working properly so that it can deliver pinpoint, accurate air temperature readings to ensure optimal fuel delivery and maximum performance of the car or truck. If you are in need of a replacement intake air temperature sensor then you have come to the right place! At 1A Auto, we carry a large selection of aftermarket air intake temperature sensors for many makes and models, and at great prices.

We also make shopping for a replacement intake air temperature sensor for your car, truck, SUV or van easy here at 1A Auto - we're here to help you select the right part for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about our IAT sensors, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online.