P0113 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Drive normally - check soon
The intake air temperature sensor circuit reads as if it were extremely cold. That is the sign of an open circuit, often a connector left unplugged. Low stakes and usually cheap.
What it means
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor changes resistance as air warms. An open circuit gives a high signal voltage, which the computer reads as extremely cold air. A stuck reading around -40 degrees is the classic sign: it is a broken circuit, not a real temperature. On many engines the IAT sensor sits inside the MAF sensor.
The technical version
The computer flags P0113 when the IAT signal voltage stays above its valid range. P0112 is the opposite, a short to ground reading as very hot air. Because the sensor is often part of the MAF assembly, a connector problem there can set both kinds of code.
Official name: Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input.
Symptoms
- Usually none.
- Slightly harder cold starts or rich running on some cars.
Causes, most likely first
| Cause | How likely | How to tell |
|---|---|---|
| The sensor connector unplugged or half on, often right after an air filter change | most common | The code appeared after recent work under the hood. |
| A broken or chafed wire to the sensor | common | The reading jumps when you move the harness. |
| A failed IAT sensor (or MAF assembly, where it is built in) | less common | Wiring is good but the reading stays stuck. |
| Corroded connector pins | less common | Green or white deposits on the pins. |
How likely is our ranking from repair data and common practice, not a published rate.
What the live data shows
One look settles it: intake air temperature stuck at the bottom of its range, about -40 degrees, in a normal garage is a broken circuit. After the fix, IAT should read close to outside temperature on a cold engine and rise a little with engine bay heat.
What to check first, in order
-
Reseat the connector.
The most common fix, and free.
What the data shows: IAT should read near outside temperature.
Cost: free
-
Check the wiring with a gentle tug test.
Finds a broken wire.
What the data shows: Watch for the reading jumping.
Cost: free
-
Replace the sensor or MAF assembly.
If the circuit is fine.
What the data shows: IAT follows outside temperature.
Cost: $119-$142 at a shop (Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor replacement, RepairPal)
Is it safe to drive?
Drive normally - check soon
Yes. The computer uses a safe default.
Very low stakes. The computer uses a safe default value, so the worst you will see is slightly rich running and slower cold starts. Fix it when you can, because the light stays on and can hide the next fault.
Stop driving and get help if
- Other codes appear and the engine runs badly.
What it costs
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor replacementRepairPal, updated September 3, 2026 | $119-$142 |
| Mass airflow (MAF) sensor replacementRepairPal, updated September 3, 2026 | $274-$381 |
National averages for the full job at a shop, parts and labor, from RepairPal (updated September 3, 2026). Your price depends on the car and the area. Many of the first checks on this page cost nothing with a scanner. MAF sensor replacement was CarMD's number 4 check engine repair in 2025, at an average of $346. CarMD averages come from a different method (repairs reported by its users), so they can sit below RepairPal's shop estimates.
Sources for the notes: CarMD 2026 Vehicle Health Index (press release, April 22, 2026).
Can I clear it? Will it come back?
After the fix, clear the code. If IAT reads a normal value right away, you are done.
Will it fail an emissions test?
Yes, while the check engine light is on, most OBD emissions tests fail the car.
Related codes
Also related, no guide yet: P0112, P0111.
How Obie handles P0113
Obie spots a -40 degree reading at once and tells you it is a circuit, not the weather. Obie is part of ScanMyCar Pro. Codes and live sensors are free.
Questions people ask
Why does my intake air temperature read -40?
That is the lowest value the sensor can report. It means the circuit is open, often a loose connector.
Can I drive with P0113?
Yes. It is low stakes, but fix it so the light can warn you about the next problem.
Did my air filter change cause P0113?
It often does. The IAT or MAF connector gets knocked loose. Reseat it.
Sources
- RepairPal: P0113 code page repairpal.com
- RepairPal: Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor replacement (updated September 3, 2026) repairpal.com
- RepairPal: Mass airflow (MAF) sensor replacement (updated September 3, 2026) repairpal.com
- CarMD 2026 Vehicle Health Index (press release, April 22, 2026) prnewswire.com
- Texas DPS emissions testing FAQ dps.texas.gov
- Arizona myazcar.com: OBD and the check engine light myazcar.com
A guide, not a diagnosis. This page describes what P0113 generally means across OBD2 cars. What is actually wrong with your car depends on its live data and its history, and any repair decision deserves a proper diagnosis, whether that is you with a scanner or a professional with a lift.
