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P0113 Code Explained: Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input

P0113 Code

What Does the P0113 Code Mean?

If your Check Engine Light is on and your OBD-II scanner displays P0113, your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected an abnormally high voltage signal from the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 1 circuit.

The Intake Air Temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air entering your engine. The ECM uses this information to calculate the proper amount of fuel, ignition timing, and air/fuel ratio for efficient combustion.

When the ECM receives a voltage that’s higher than the expected operating range, it assumes the incoming air is extremely cold (often around -40°F/-40°C) or that there’s an electrical fault. It then stores Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0113.

P0113 is a common OBD-II code found on vehicles from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Volkswagen, BMW, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and many others.

Quick Answer

ItemInformation
CodeP0113
DescriptionIntake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input
Severity⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Moderate
Safe to Drive?Usually yes
Common CausesBad IAT sensor, damaged wiring, unplugged sensor
Estimated Repair Cost$20–$450

What Does an Intake Air Temperature Sensor Do?

The IAT sensor measures the temperature of incoming air before it enters the engine.

The ECM uses this information to adjust:

Cold air is denser than warm air, requiring different fueling strategies.

Accurate intake air temperature data helps maximize:

What Does “Circuit High Input” Mean?

The IAT sensor is a thermistor whose resistance changes with temperature.

Typically:

When the ECM detects voltage that’s too high (often close to 5 volts), it assumes:

Symptoms of a P0113 Code

Common symptoms include:

Some vehicles may show almost no noticeable drivability problems.

How Serious Is P0113?

Severity: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderate)

P0113 usually won’t leave you stranded, but prolonged driving can result in:

Repairing the issue early restores proper fuel calculations and engine efficiency.

Can You Drive With P0113?

Usually Yes

If:

Short-term driving is generally safe.

Stop Driving If

Most Common Causes of P0113

CauseLikelihood
Failed IAT sensor⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unplugged IAT sensor⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Broken wiring⭐⭐⭐⭐
Corroded connector⭐⭐⭐⭐
Open circuit⭐⭐⭐⭐
Damaged MAF sensor (integrated IAT)⭐⭐⭐
ECM connector issue⭐⭐
Failed ECM⭐

Many newer vehicles integrate the IAT sensor into the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, meaning a faulty MAF assembly can trigger P0113.

Most Common Repairs

RepairLikelihoodAverage Cost
Reconnect IAT SensorVery HighFree
Replace IAT SensorVery High$20–150
Repair WiringHigh$75–300
Replace MAF SensorMedium$150–450
Clean ConnectorMedium$20–80
ECM RepairRare$800–2,000

Tools You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

Step 1: Read Freeze Frame Data

Record:

If the scan tool shows -40°F (-40°C), the sensor or circuit is likely open.

Step 2: Inspect the Sensor

Locate the IAT sensor.

Check for:

Many repairs end here.

Step 3: Inspect the Wiring

Look for:

Electrical issues are common causes of P0113.

Step 4: Test Sensor Resistance

Using a multimeter:

Compare resistance values to factory specifications at known temperatures.

An open circuit indicates a failed sensor.

Step 5: Check the 5-Volt Reference

Verify:

A missing ground or open signal wire can trigger P0113.

Step 6: Monitor Live Data

Watch Intake Air Temperature readings.

Normal readings should closely match:

If the scan tool constantly displays -40°F, suspect an open circuit.

Step 7: Inspect the MAF Sensor (If Equipped)

Many Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Volkswagen models combine the IAT and MAF into one unit.

If wiring tests good, replacing the MAF assembly may resolve the code.

Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

Electrical testing should always come before replacing expensive components.

Vehicle-Specific P0113 Problems

Ford

Common causes:

Popular models:

Chevrolet / GMC

Frequently caused by:

Toyota

Often related to:

Honda

Common issues:

Nissan

Frequently caused by:

Hyundai / Kia

Often traced to:

BMW

Common failures include:

Volkswagen / Audi

Frequently associated with:

Repair Costs

RepairAverage Cost
Reconnect SensorFree
Replace IAT Sensor$20–150
Wiring Repair$75–300
Replace MAF Sensor$150–450
ECM Repair$800–2,000

Related Trouble Codes

P0113 often appears alongside:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dirty air filter cause P0113?

Not directly.

However, servicing the air filter can accidentally unplug or damage the IAT sensor connector.

Will a bad MAF sensor cause P0113?

Yes.

Many modern vehicles have the IAT sensor built into the MAF sensor housing.

Can I drive with P0113?

Yes.

Most vehicles remain drivable, although fuel economy and performance may suffer.

Why does my scan tool show -40°F?

This almost always indicates:

The ECM substitutes an extremely low temperature when it loses the sensor signal.

How much does it cost to fix P0113?

Most repairs cost between $20 and $300, depending on whether the issue is a simple sensor replacement or a wiring repair.

Final Thoughts

The P0113 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input code is usually caused by a failed sensor, unplugged connector, damaged wiring, or an integrated MAF sensor failure—not a major engine problem. Since the ECM relies on accurate intake air temperature readings to calculate fuel delivery and ignition timing, fixing the issue can improve engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions.

Start with a visual inspection of the sensor and wiring before replacing parts. In many cases, reconnecting a loose connector or replacing an inexpensive IAT sensor is all that’s required to clear the code and restore normal operation.

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