GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor contains a semiconductor device, a thermistor, which changes the resistance based on the temperature. The IAT sensor has a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The powertrain control module (PCM) applies 5.0 volts on the signal circuit to the sensor. The PCM monitors the changes in this voltage caused by changes in the resistance of the sensor in order to determine IAT.

When the intake air is cold, the sensor or thermistor resistance is high. The PCM signal voltage only pulls down a small amount through the sensor to a ground. Therefore, the PCM senses a high signal voltage or low temperature. When the intake air is warm, the sensor resistance is low. The signal voltage pulls down a large amount. Therefore, the PCM senses a low signal voltage, or a high temperature.

When the PCM senses a signal voltage higher than the normal operating range of the sensor, this DTC sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0102, P0103, P0117, P0118, P0500, P0502, or P0503 are not set.
    • The engine run time is more than 100 seconds.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 0°C (32°F).
    • The vehicle speed is less than 11 km/h (7 mph).
    • The mass air flow (MAF) is less than 15 g/s.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is less than -35°C (-31°F).
    • The intermittent condition exists for a total of 5.5 seconds during a 100-second period.

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.

Diagnostic Aids

If the engine has sat overnight, the ECT and the IAT values should display within a few degrees of each other. If the temperatures are not within 3°C (5°F), refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If DTC P0113 failed this ignition, this indicates a hard failure is present. When a hard failure is present, both the hard and the intermittent DTCs set.

  2. This step inspects for proper connections.

  3. This step inspects the wiring harness.

  4. Using the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and the Pass Counter can also help determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same Freeze Frame conditions, such as RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc., that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed. For any test that requires probing the PCM or component harness connectors, use the connector test adapter kit . Using this kit prevents any damage to the harness connector terminals.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine.
  3. Monitor the DTC information option using the scan tool.

Did DTC P0113 fail this ignition?

Go to DTC P0113

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the affected sensor value on a scan tool while moving the related harness connectors at the component and the PCM.

Does the sensor value change abruptly while a related connector is being moved?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Observe the affected sensor value on a scan tool while moving the related wiring harnesses.

Does the sensor value change abruptly while moving the related electrical harnesses?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Review the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC, and observe the parameters.
  3. Turn OFF the ignition for 15 seconds.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, or within the parameters observed in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records .
  6. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option, the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic test failed this ignition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

Repair the damaged connectors and terminals. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

7

Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

8

  1. Re-inspect all the related circuits and the connectors.
  2. Replace the sensor and component if all of the circuits have been tested thoroughly and faults cannot be found.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10

Use a scan tool in order to 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