GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

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 engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT signal circuit and a ground for the IAT low reference circuit. 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 ECM detects a high voltage on the IAT signal circuit. With lower sensor resistance, the ECM detects a lower voltage on the IAT signal circuit. If the ECM detects an excessively high IAT signal voltage, indicating a low temperature, DTC P1111 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P1111 Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0112 and P0113 are not set.
    • The engine metal overtemperature protection (EMOP) is not active.
    • The ignition is ON.
        OR
    • The engine is running for more than 2 minutes.
    • DTC P1111 runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The IAT sensor parameter is less than -39°C (-38°F) for more than 3.2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Engine Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Are DTCs P0641 or P0651 set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

Go to Step 3

3

Observe the IAT Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the IAT Sensor parameter less than the specified value?

-39°C (-38°F)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions in Wiring Systems and Intermittent Conditions

5

  1. Disconnect the mass air flow (MAF)/intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
  2. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the IAT sensor to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions and Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

5.2 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Important: The sensor may be damaged if the circuit is shorted to a voltage source.

Test the IAT signal circuit for an intermittent short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

7

  1. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the IAT sensor and the low reference circuit of the IAT sensor. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.
  2. Observe the IAT Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the IAT sensor parameter more than the specified value?

128°C (262°F)

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the IAT sensor and a good ground. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.
  2. Observe the IAT Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the IAT Sensor parameter more than the specified value?

128°C (262°F)

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Test the IAT signal circuit for an intermittent open circuit or intermittent high resistance. Refer to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions , Circuit Testing , and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

10

Test the IAT low reference circuit for an intermittent open circuit or intermittent high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing , Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions , and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

11

Test the IAT signal circuit for an intermittent short to any 5-volt reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing , Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions , and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

12

Important: The sensor may be damaged if the circuit is shorted to a voltage source.

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the MAF/IAT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions , and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 14

13

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions , and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

14

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 17

17

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK