Function and operation principle

Fig 1: Resistance And Temperature Graph

Courtesy of HYUNDAI MOTOR CO.

Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IATS) is installed inside the Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAPS) and detects the intake air temperature. Air density varies according to the temperature, so to calculate precise air quantity, there is a correction for intake air temperature. So the PCM uses not only MAPS signal but also IATS signal. This sensor has a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) and its resistance is in reverse proportion to the temperature.