Intake Air Temperature Sensor

The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor is a variable resistor. The IAT sensor has a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The IAT sensor measures the temperature of the air entering the engine. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT signal circuit and a ground for the IAT low reference circuit. Intake air temperature should read close to ambient temperature with engine cold, and rise as underhood temperature increases. After a vehicle has been parked overnight, IAT and ECT sensor signals (resistance and temperature) should be close to the same reading. When the IAT sensor is cold, the sensor resistance is high. When the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. With high sensor resistance, the PCM detects a high voltage on the IAT signal circuit. With lower sensor resistance, the PCM detects a lower voltage on the IAT signal circuit. If the PCM detects an intermittent high or low IAT signal voltage, indicating a low or high temperature, a related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set.

Failure in IAT sensor circuit (open or short to ground) will cause monitored voltage to swing high or low and should set a related DTC.