Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0113: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High (Bank 1)
P0113 means the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor signal voltage is higher than expected, so the engine computer sees an unrealistically cold air reading, often from an open circuit.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0113 sets
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor's resistance rises as air gets colder, raising the signal voltage the powertrain control module (PCM) reads. If the voltage rises above the highest plausible value for a set time, P0113 sets. An unplugged sensor, a broken signal or ground wire, or an open sensor element usually causes this. Exact limits vary by manufacturer.
Common causes of P0113
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Unplugged IAT or MAF connector, often after air filter service
- Open circuit in the IAT signal or ground wire
- Failed (open) IAT sensor
- Faulty MAF assembly with built-in IAT
- Corroded or spread connector terminals
P0113 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Usually no drivability symptoms
- Possible rough idle or rich running when warm
- Slight drop in fuel economy
How P0113 is diagnosed
- Scan for codes; live data typically shows a very cold IAT value
- Check that the IAT or MAF connector is fully seated
- Inspect the harness for breaks, especially near the air box
- Jumper the signal and ground at the connector; a very hot reading confirms good wiring
- Measure sensor resistance against specification
- Replace the sensor or repair the open circuit
Typical fixes for P0113
- Reconnect the IAT or MAF connector
- Repair an open signal or ground wire
- Replace the IAT sensor
- Replace the MAF sensor if the IAT is integrated
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
Older definitions read "Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input". Check factory service information for which IAT sensor applies on engines with more than one.
Related codes & warning lights
P0113 FAQ
What does code P0113 mean?
P0113 means the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor signal voltage is higher than expected, so the engine computer sees an unrealistically cold air reading, often from an open circuit. The standard definition is "Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High (Bank 1)."
Can I drive with a P0113 code?
Yes, the vehicle usually drives normally because the engine computer uses a substitute value. Fix it soon, since inaccurate air temperature can slightly affect fueling and emissions.
Can P0113 appear after changing the air filter?
Yes. The IAT or MAF connector is often bumped or left unplugged during air filter service, which sets this code.
What does a reading of extremely cold intake air mean?
It usually indicates an open circuit, since the PCM interprets the high signal voltage as very cold air.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.