Open or broken wire in the intake air temperature sensor signal circuit; Corroded, loose, or pushed-back terminal at the sensor or computer connector; Failed intake air temperature sensor reading out of range; High resistance in a splice or connector along the sensor circuit; Damaged wiring harness from chafing, heat, or rodent damage; Faulty engine computer driver circuit, though this is rare

DTC codes / P01xx · Fuel and air metering / P0113

P0113Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input

Q: What does code P0113 mean?

Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input. P0113 means the engine computer has seen the intake air temperature sensor signal go higher than the expected range, which tells it the incoming air is colder than the sensor circuit can legitimately report. The computer compares the sensor voltage to its programmed limits and sets this code when the signal stays above the high threshold for a calibrated time.

P0113 means the engine computer has seen the intake air temperature sensor signal go higher than the expected range, which tells it the incoming air is colder than the sensor circuit can legitimately report. The computer compares the sensor voltage to its programmed limits and sets this code when the signal stays above the high threshold for a calibrated time.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or hesitation when the engine is cold
Poor fuel economy or rich-running smell from the exhaust
Hard starting or extended cranking in cold weather
Black smoke or soot from the tailpipe in severe cases
Occasionally no symptoms besides the warning light

Common causes, most likely first

Open or broken wire in the intake air temperature sensor signal circuit
Corroded, loose, or pushed-back terminal at the sensor or computer connector
Failed intake air temperature sensor reading out of range
High resistance in a splice or connector along the sensor circuit
Damaged wiring harness from chafing, heat, or rodent damage
Faulty engine computer driver circuit, though this is rare

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm the code and see when it set
Inspect the intake air temperature sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, looseness, or damage
Measure sensor resistance with a multimeter and compare it to the temperature-resistance chart for the vehicle
Back-probe the signal circuit at the computer and check voltage with the key on, engine off
Check for continuity and resistance on the signal and ground circuits between the sensor and computer
Repair or replace the faulty wiring, connector, or sensor as indicated by the tests
Clear the code and verify the repair with a test drive and live data review

What the high input really means

A high input code almost always means an open circuit or a sensor reporting an unrealistically cold temperature, not a sensor that has failed hot.
Many intake air temperature sensors are integrated into the mass airflow sensor housing, so a faulty sensor can require replacing the whole assembly.
The computer may substitute a default intake air temperature value and run acceptably, which is why drivers often notice no symptoms until the code is read.
Rodent damage to the harness near the air box is a commonly missed cause of this code on vehicles parked outdoors.
A poor ground connection shared with other sensors can pull the intake air temperature signal high and set this code along with others.

Can I keep driving with P0113?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive with P0113 because the computer substitutes a default air temperature and adjusts fueling accordingly. Avoid heavy towing or aggressive driving until the fault is repaired, and address it promptly if you notice rough running or poor fuel economy.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.