GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC 023:  Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC 025:  Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

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 has a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT signal circuit and a ground for the IAT low reference circuit.

The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:

IAT

IAT Resistance

IAT Signal Voltage

Cold

High

High

Warm

Low

Low

Conditions for Setting the DTC

023

    • The engine run time is more than 120 seconds.
    • The IAT sensor signal voltage indicates a temperature above 146°C (295°F).
    • This DTC runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

025

    • The engine run time is more than 120 seconds.
    • The IAT sensor signal voltage indicates a temperature less than -35°C (-31°F).
    • This DTC runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the vehicle has set overnight, the IAT sensor and the ECT sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F).
    • High resistance on either the IAT sensor signal circuit or the IAT sensor low reference circuit may not set a DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Engine idling for 4 minutes, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTCs  023 or 025 should not set.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the IAT sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

    Important: The DTCs must be cleared or a temperature of 20°C (68°F) will be displayed on the scan tool.

  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool IAT sensor parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

    Important: The DTCs must be cleared or a temperature of 20°C (68°F) will be displayed on the scan tool.

  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool IAT sensor parameter is greater than 180°C (356°F).
  7. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the IAT sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
  2. Important: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.

  3. Test the IAT sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
  4. If not within the specified range, replace the IAT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming