MODERATE System: Fuel & Air Metering SAE J2012 Standard

P0113: Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 1 Circuit High Input

The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor is a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. As air temperature rises, sensor resistance drops. Trouble code P0113 is set when the ECM detects signal voltage higher than 4.85V (typically corresponding to -40°F / -40°C), which indicates an open circuit, disconnected sensor plug, or broken internal wire.

Driveability & Safety Advisory

Drivable. ECM will substitute a default assumed temperature (often 68°F / 20°C or 104°F / 40°C), resulting in slightly degraded fuel trim efficiency.

Air-Fuel Induction & Metering Schematic Airflow Path vs Fuel Trim Regulation
Air Filter Box Ambient Air MAF / IAT Sensor g/sec Metered Throttle Body ⚠️ Vacuum Leak Points Cylinders (Combustion) O2 Sensor Feedback

Official Manufacturer TSB Advisories

Honda A11-042 Target: 2008–2012 Honda Civic / Accord

Factory Condition: IAT sensor terminal pin fretting corrosion inside MAF multi-plug causes intermittent high voltage readings.

OEM Service Remedy: Clean terminals with electrical contact cleaner and install gold-plated replacement terminal pins.

Physical Component Location & Service Access

Integrated inside the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor body (5-pin or 6-pin connector) or mounted separately in the air intake duct bellows.

Electrical Specifications & Live PID Benchmarks

Scan Tool Live Data Targets

IAT Scan Tool Reading: Reading -40°F (-40°C) indicates open circuit; normal reading is ambient air temperature +5°F to +25°F under hood
IAT Signal Voltage: 4.90V – 5.00V (Failure state)

Digital Multimeter (DMM) Specs

IAT Resistance at 68°F (20°C): 2,200 – 2,700 Ohms
IAT Resistance at 32°F (0°C): 5,500 – 6,500 Ohms
5V Reference Wire (Key ON): 4.95V – 5.05V
Sensor Ground Wire Resistance: < 0.3 Ohms

Documented Model-Specific Case Studies

2012–2016 Ford F-150 (3.5L / 5.0L)

Root Cause: Broken ground wire on IAT harness branch near air box clip.

Verified Fix: Solder wiring repair and heat-shrink.

Technician Inspection & Testing Workflow

1

Check live data on scan tool: If IAT displays -40°F (-40°C), it confirms an OPEN circuit.

2

Unplug sensor. Jump signal wire to ground wire with a paperclip or fused jumper while watching scan tool. If IAT reading immediately flips to +284°F (+140°C), the wiring and ECM are 100% HEALTHY, proving the sensor itself has an internal open circuit.

3

Measure thermistor resistance across sensor pins with DMM: Expect 2,000–3,000Ω at room temperature. If infinite (OL), replace sensor.

Cost Breakdown

DIY Replacement Parts: $20 – $75
Independent Repair Shop (Parts + Labor): $120 – $240
Standard Diagnostic Time: 1.0 – 2.0 Flat-Rate Hours

Tools & Parts Matrix

Recommended Parts: IAT Sensor or MAF sensor assembly
Required Test Tools: Multimeter, Jumper wire, Scan tool

Diagnostic Questions & Answers

Why does my scanner say the air temperature is -40 degrees?

Because the circuit is broken (open). When zero current flows through the thermistor, the computer receives maximum 5.0 volts, which its lookup table translates to -40°F.