GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the air entering the engine. The IAT sensor is contained within the mass air flow-intake air temperature (MAF/IAT) sensor assembly. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT signal circuit. When the incoming air temperature is cold, the sensor resistance is high. When the incoming air temperature increases, the sensor resistance lowers. With higher sensor resistance, the ECM detects a higher 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 low IAT signal voltage (a high temperature indication) this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The coolant temperature is less than 50°C (122°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The IAT sensor signal voltage indicates that the intake air temperature is more than 148°C (298°F) for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • 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 emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the IAT sensor temperature display.

Does the scan tool indicate that the IAT sensor temperature is more than the specified value?

148°C (298°F)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text or as close to the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data that you observed.

Does the DTC reset?

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Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

  1. Disconnect the MAF/IAT sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the IAT sensor temperature.

Does the scan tool indicate that the IAT sensor temperature is less than the specified value?

-38°C (-36°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .
  3. Test the signal circuit of the IAT sensor for a short to ground or a short to any low reference circuit and repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the MAF/IAT sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 8

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7

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 8

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8

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

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Go to Step 9

Go to Step 2

9

With a scan tool observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK