Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor is an integral part of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor that is mounted in the air cleaner assembly. IAT sensor measures temperature of the air entering the intake manifold. IAT sensor provides temperature information to the circuitry of the MAF sensor and the PCM.
The IAT sensor is a thermistor, a resistor whose resistance changes as a function of temperature. When temperature is low, resistance is high. See IAT SENSOR OPERATION table. The resistance decreases as temperature increases. IAT sensor is a 2-wire circuit with a reference or signal voltage and a ground coming from the PCM.
| Temperature | Resistance | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Low | High | High |
| High | Low | Low |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.