Circuit Description
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor, a variable resistor whose conductive value changes with temperature, in series with a fixed resistor in the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM applies 5 volts to the IAT sensor. The PCM monitors the voltage across the IAT sensor and converts the voltage into a temperature reading. When the outside air temperature is cold, the IAT sensor resistance is high. When the outside air temperature is warm, the IAT sensor resistance is low. Therefore, when the air temperature is cold the PCM will receive a high voltage input, and when the air temperature is warm the PCM will receive a low voltage input.
Condition for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON or the engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The ignition is ON. |
| • | The IAT signal voltage indicates an intake air temperature more than 139°C (282°F). |
| • | The above condition is met for at least 5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame buffer. |
| • | The PCM enters the Failsafe mode and assumes the intake air temperature is 22°C (71°F). |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL turns off after 3 consecutively passing cycles without a fault present. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | Perform the scan tool clear DTC Information function in order to clear the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for any of the following conditions:
| • | A damaged wiring harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the IAT display on the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harnesses related to the IAT sensor. A change in the IAT display will indicate the location of the fault. |
| • | When replacing the IAT sensor the Temperature to Resistance Value scale may be used to test the sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a shifted and incorrectly calibrated sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . A shifted sensor may result in poor driveability complaints. |
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the IAT sensor circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:
| • | Any backed-out terminals |
| • | Any improper mating of terminals |
| • | Any broken electrical connector locks |
| • | Any improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| • | Any faulty terminal-to-wire connections |
| • | Any physical damage to the wiring harness |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
| • | Any corrosion of the electrical connections, the splices, or the terminals |
If a DTC P0112 is intermittent, driving the vehicle under the following conditions can verify whether the fault is present. Perform the scan tool clear DTC information function. Road test the vehicle while monitoring the DTC P0112 diagnostic on the scan tool under the Not Ran Since Code Cleared selection in the DTC Information menu. If a DTC P0112 appears in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0112 diagnostic has not yet run. When the DTC P0112 does not appear in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0112 diagnostic has run. If the MIL is NOT illuminated, and there is no Pending DTC Status in DTC Information, the P0112 diagnostic has passed. The DTCs MUST be cleared in order to view the Current Status of the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list. DO NOT forget that the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list only indicates that the test has run, not whether the test passed or failed. The DTC Information screen must be checked for Current or Pending status, in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.
If the DTC P0112 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
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The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
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This step will determine if a fault is present.
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Review the Freeze Frame data to determine when the DTC set. Always record this information.
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This step determines if the fault is caused by a shorted signal return circuit or by a malfunctioning IAT sensor.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
Is the IAT more than or equal to the specified value? | 165°C (329°F) | |||
Is DTC P0112 set? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Is the IAT less than or equal to the specified value? | -40°C (-40°F) | |||
5 |
Is the IAT sensor signal circuit shorted to ground? | -- | ||
6 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
7 | Replace the IAT sensor. Refer to Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
8 | Repair the IAT sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
9 |
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
10 | Perform the scan tool DTC Information function and road test the vehicle within Freeze Frame conditions that set the DTC. Check for DTCs. Review the scan tool data, and if no DTCs are stored, the repair is complete. Are any DTCs displayed on the scan tool? | -- | System OK |
