What do you do when you are heading down the road and the Check Engine Light comes on? The first step should always be to use your OBD-II code scanner to see what’s going on. If you find the P0113 code, you need to know what to do next.
You can use this P0113 trouble code guide to figure out the meaning and the symptoms this problem causes. We also show you what the possible causes are and we illustrate the best fixes.
Code P0113 Definition
P0113 – Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input
What Does the P0113 Code Mean?
The P0113 trouble code indicates that the signal coming from the IAT sensor 1 is too high. These readings are sent to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), so the fuel and air ratio can be adjusted as needed. However, when the voltage rises too high, the code sets to indicate a problem.
The PCM sends a five-volt current to the IAT sensor so it can monitor the air intake temperature. If there’s a significant rise in the temperature, the resistance of the thermistor drops, while any cooler temperature creates higher resistance.
This resistance level determines the voltage that the PCM sees. If the feedback voltage rises above five volts, you will see this trouble code on your scanner.
P0113 Trouble Code Symptoms
In most cases, nothing will be noticeable with the P0113 code other than the Check Engine Light. The only other possible symptoms occur when the ambient temperatures drop lower than normal.
Here are a couple of symptoms you might notice:
- Check Engine Light
- Trouble starting in cold weather
- Gas odor when starting in cold weather
Causes of the P0113 Code
With the P0113 trouble code indicating something is imbalanced with the intake air temperature sensor 1, it’s obvious that the sensor itself could be to blame. However, that’s not the only cause of this trouble code.
Instead, examine these most popular causes of the P0113 DTC.
- Faulty IAT sensor 1
- Poor connection or damaged wiring
- Bad mass air flow sensor (when integrated with the IAT)
- Malfunctioning PCM
How Serious is the P0113 Code?
Medium – As previously mentioned, the P0113 trouble code rarely shows any other issues besides the Check Engine Light. For this reason, many people will continue driving with the light on.
There are several reasons why this is a bad idea. For starters, with the Check Engine Light on, you can’t tell if something else happens that needs your attention. Furthermore, the engine isn’t running as it should, which could lead to further damage.
What Repairs Can Fix the P0113 Code?
Because the P0113 DTC deals with the IAT sensor 1, it’s probable that you need to replace it. However, you don’t want to jump to that conclusion without a full diagnosis first.
Here are the top repairs that will fix the P0113 trouble code.
- Replace IAT sensor 1
- Repair connection or damaged wiring
- Replace mass air flow sensor (when integrated with the IAT)
- Update/replace PCM
Common P0113 Diagnosis Mistakes
With the P0013 trouble code pointing to the IAT sensor 1, you might move forward with replacing it. However, this won’t always turn off the Check Engine Light, which is why a diagnosis must be performed first.
In some cases, the wiring is simply loose or corroded. If this is what’s occurring with your vehicle, the fix is normally cheaper to correct this problem than to replace the sensor, so you want to start here.
How to Diagnose the P0113 Trouble Code
To figure out the appropriate fix for the P0113 code, you must first walk through the appropriate diagnostic steps. You can follow the guidelines found in your car’s service manual, but we also recommend these simple suggestions.
- Check all of the trouble codes. If more than one is present, you might gain a better idea of what the problem is.
- Check the wiring to the IAT sensor. If the wires are loose or corroded, they should be replaced.
- Measure the IAT sensor resistance. Take the IAT off of the vehicle and check the resistance with a multimeter. With heat applied to the IAT sensor tip, the resistance should go down. If there’s no change or you didn’t notice anything major happen, you want to replace the IAT. You can also test the IAT with an advanced scan tool.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional. When a PCM malfunction occurs, it’s ideal to have a certified mechanic update or replace it.
Estimated P0113 Repair Cost
Once you’ve been through all of the appropriate diagnostic steps, you know what fix will best resolve your situation. Here are a few of the most common fixes with the estimated repair cost, including both labor and parts.
- Replace IAT sensor 1 – $75-$175
- Repair connection or damaged wiring – $50-$250
- Replace mass air flow sensor (when integrated with the IAT) – $75-$325
- Update/replace PCM – $250-$2,500
Mechanics Tips about the P0113 Code
When there’s a malfunction with the IAT sensors, you can see several trouble codes. As one example, the code P0114 indicates that there’s an intermittent IAT sensor signal. It’s also possible to see the P0112 trouble code that shows the sensor is producing low voltage.
If you get a P0098 trouble code, this is the exact same meaning as the P0013 DTC we’ve discussed, but it relates to sensor 2 instead. This second IAT sensor is also exhibiting low temperatures and higher electrical resistance.
Categories: OBD Codes
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