Circuit Description
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor contains a semiconductor device which changes the resistance based on the temperature. The IAT sensor is located within the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. The IAT sensor has a signal circuit and a ground 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 intake air temperature.
When the intake air is cold, the sensor resistance is high. The PCM signal voltage is only pulled down a small amount through the sensor to a ground, therefore, the PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the intake air is warm, the sensor resistance is low. The signal voltage is pulled down a greater amount, therefore, the PCM senses a low signal voltage.
When the PCM senses a signal voltage higher than the normal operating range of the sensor, this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) sets.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | No active MAF DTCs |
| • | No active engine coolant temperature (ECT) DTCs |
| • | No active vehicle speed (VS) DTCs |
| • | The ECT is more than 0°C (32°F). |
| • | The VS is less than 11 km/h (7 mph). |
| • | The MAF is less than 15 g/s. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The IAT is less than -35°C (-31°F). |
| • | All conditions are met for more than 5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Important: Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
| • | The following may cause an intermittent: |
| - | Mis-routed harness |
| - | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| - | Broken wire inside the insulation |
| • | 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 . |
| • | If you determine that the DTC occurs intermittently, performing the P1111 diagnostic table may isolate the cause of the fault. |
For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms .
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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This step determines if the malfunction is present. Using this kit prevents damage to the harness connector terminals.
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Using the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and 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.
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An intake air temperature above 139°C (282°F) indicates the PCM and IAT sensor wiring is OK.
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An intake air temperature above 139°C (282°F) indicates the PCM and IAT sensor signal circuit is OK.
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Disconnecting the PCM allows using the DMM in order to test for continuity of the circuits. This aids in locating an open or a shorted circuit.
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Disconnecting the PCM allows using the DMM in order to test for a short to voltage.
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Disconnecting the PCM allows using the DMM in order to test for continuity of the circuits. This aids in locating an open or a shorted circuit. Probe one lead to the IAT sensor signal circuit and probe the other lead to each terminal at the PCM harness connectors.
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Inspect for proper terminal tension and connections at the PCM harness before replacing the PCM.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Is the IAT sensor at the specified value? | -39°C (-38°F) | |||
3 | Are DTCs P1635 and P1639 also set? | -- | ||
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Is the IAT sensor at the specified value? | 140°C (284°F) | |||
Jumper the IAT sensor signal circuit to a known good ground. Is the IAT sensor at the specified value? | 140°C (284°F) | |||
Is the IAT sensor signal circuit open? | -- | |||
Does the DMM display a voltage? | -- | |||
Test for continuity from the IAT signal circuit to all other PCM circuits at both the PCM harness connectors using the DMM. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems. Does the DMM display continuity within the specified range from the IAT sensor signal circuit to any other PCM circuit? | 0-2 ohms | |||
10 |
Is the IAT sensor ground circuit open? | -- | ||
11 | Repair the IAT sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
12 | Replace the IAT sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
13 | Repair the IAT sensor ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
14 | Repair the IAT sensor signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
15 | Repair the short between the IAT sensor signal circuit and the PCM circuit that had continuity. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Did you find and repair the condition? | -- | |||
17 |
Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
18 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed? | -- | ||
19 | Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |
