What Does The P0110 Code Mean?

p0110 code

The P0110 code occurs in the engine control unit’s trouble code memory when it finds a problem with the circuit’s intake air temperature sensor.

There could be a couple of reasons for this, and in this article, I will teach you everything you have to know about the P0110 trouble code.

Code P0110 Definition

Intake Air Temperature Sensor – Circuit Malfunction

What does the P0110 code mean?

The P010 code indicates that the engine control unit recognizes a faulty circuit towards the intake air temperature sensor. It can be either a faulty sensor itself, or a wiring problem on the way toward it.

The trouble code refers to an electrical circuit problem and not an air temperature problem. The air intake temperature sensor is often integrated into the MAF sensor.

P0110 Trouble Code Symptoms

The only symptom you may experience regarding the P0110 code is a check engine list in most cases. In some rare cases, you can experience performance problems like rough idle or poor engine performance.

You may notice any of the following symptoms with code P0110:

Causes of the P0110 Code

Because the P0110 code tells us that there is a problem with the circuit to the sensor, there are actually not many things that can cause it.

Here are the most common causes of the P0110 code:

  • Faulty Air Intake Temperature Sensor
  • Faulty Air Intake Temperature sensor Connector Plug (Corrosion)
  • Broken or a shorted circuit to the air intake temperature sensor
  • A bad engine control unit

How serious is the P0110 Code?

Low – When the P0110 code occurs, the engine will stop reading the air intake temperature, and it will use estimated values instead. The fuel correction of the air temperature is pretty low.

The P0110 code will not make your car stop after the road, and it will not cause any further engine damage – at least as long as it does not remain unaddressed for a very long period of time. It is still recommended to repair the P0110 code as fast as possible.

What repairs can fix the P0110 code?

  • Replace Air Intake Temperature Sensor
  • Repair Air Intake Temperature sensor wirings
  • Clean air intake temperature sensor connector plug
  • Replace MAF sensor (When IAT sensor is integrated into it)
  • Replace engine control unit

Common P0110 Diagnosis mistakes

A common mistake for the P0110 diagnosis is to replace the air temperature sensor without checking the connector plug and wirings.

Another mistake is to start looking for things that cause a high intake temperature without realizing that this is a fully electrical trouble code, which tells us that there is something wrong in the circuit.

Recommended Tools for Diagnosis

How to diagnose the P0110 Trouble Code

There are some pretty easy ways you can diagnose the P0110 code. Here is how a professional would diagnose it. You may need some special tools to follow the guide.

  1. Connect an OBD2 scanner and check for related trouble codes.
  2. Remove the IAT sensors connector plug and check for corrosion.
  3. Inspect the wires visually and check for any shorts between them with a multimeter.
  4. Measure the ohm between the two pins of the intake air temperature sensor. If the IAT sensor is integrated into the MAF sensor, you need a wiring diagram to know which ones. You may need to check in your repair manual for the exact resistance you should get for your car model. Usually, at 68 F (20 C), you should get around 37K ohms. Replace the sensor if faulty and reset codes.
  5. Remove the engine control unit connector plug and measure the sensor from there. If you get any different values than measuring from the sensor directly, repair the wirings and reset the code.
  6. Replace the intake temperature sensor even if you got the right values, then reset the codes.
  7. Replace the engine control unit if you tried everything else, and make sure the sensor and wirings are correct.

Estimated Cost of Repair

Here are some common repair costs associated with the P0110 trouble code. The prices include labor and part costs but do not include diagnosis costs.

  • Air intake temperature sensor replacement cost – 20$ to 60$
  • MAF sensor replacement cost (If IAT sensor is integrated) – 200$ to 400$
  • Repair Air intake temperature wirings – 30$ to 80$

How do I fix code P0110?

The P0110 error code is triggered when the ECM senses an issue within the intake air temperature sensor’s electrical circuit. In most cases, this will be caused by a faulty sensor, corroded connector, or broken wiring. Diagnosing the problem is a pretty straightforward job, which includes doing a visual examination of affected components and measuring voltages with a multimeter. After replacing or repairing the faulty component, you should delete the P0110 error code from the vehicle’s memory using an OBD2 scan tool.

Is It Safe To Drive With Code P0110?

In most cases, driving with the P0110 trouble code should not cause any additional problems. This code is set when there is no signal from the Intake Air Temperature sensor. As such, it usually only triggers a check engine light, with no other apparent symptoms. There are, however, situations where this can cause running issues, such as poor idle or sluggish acceleration. This happens if the air-fuel mixture gets messed up, as it’s adjusted according to values given by the IAT sensor.

Where is the intake air temperature sensor located?

Due to the nature of its job, the IAT sensor is always located somewhere on the engine’s intake side. Many car makers have it as a separate component, usually fitted between the air filter and the throttle body. Still, there are examples where the intake air temperature sensor is integrated into the MAF’s housing. In these cases, this whole assembly has to be replaced when the IAT sensor malfunctions.

Is the IAT and MAF sensor the same?

No. IAT and MAF are two separate sensors, with each having a function of its own. The MAF, or Mass Air Flow sensor measures how much air goes toward the engine. And the Intake Air Temperature sensor, or IAT, tells the ECM if that air is cold or warm. But in some cars, both of these sensors may be integrated into the same housing. If that’s the case, both the IAT and MAF sensor will have to be replaced when one of them is faulty.

Wrap-Up

To adjust the air-fuel mixture correctly and optimally, the ECM has to know how much air is going into the engine. That value is, in most cars, obtained from the Mass Flow Air sensor, or MAF. But because the air is gas, it expands or contracts depending on the temperature.

This is why modern engines have an Intake Air Temperature sensor or IAT. This can be a separate component or, in some cases, a part of the MAF sensor assembly. If it or its wiring goes bad, the ECM will trigger a check engine light and set the P0110 trouble code.

Categories: OBD Codes

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