Different vehicles come in different designs. Some cars have an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor mounted on the intake duct, while others have the IAT and MAF sensor in a single unit. This car sensor uses a thermistor to measure the air temperature.
The thermistor measures the air temperature with electrical resistance. A drop in resistance shows there’s an increase in temperature. Once the car computer detects a drop in the resistance, it’ll log a P0113 error code in the car memory.
Here, we’ll explain the meaning and outline the causes and symptoms of a P0113 on Ford and other car models. You’ll also learn about common diagnostics mistakes and how to diagnose and fix error code P0113. But first, let’s see the meaning of a P0113 code.
What does error code P0113 mean?
The P0113 is a generic trouble code showing that the powertrain control module has detected IAT sensor reading is above the specified range. If the IAT sensor reading or output voltage is above 4.91v for around 5 seconds, the car computer will detect or think there’s an IAT open circuit. Once this happens, it’ll set error code P0113 on Honda or your respective car model.
What is the symptom of error code P0113?
The symptoms of error code P0113 are so common that you can easily note them at sight. Here are the prominent signs of a logged P0113 on Jeep and any car models.
Engine running rich
A P0113 error usually causes the engine to run rich. If you suspect a logged P0113 error code, inspect the spark plugs. If you see a blackish coating on the spark plug electrode and perceive fuel on it, that indicates a P0113 on Dodge or your respective car model.
The blackish coating on the plugs will cause hard starting over time, making it difficult for the air-fuel mixture to combust properly.
If the engine starts taking less fuel, inspect the spark plugs. It may be coated with blackish carbon.
Hard starting in cold climates
If a problem exists in the air intake system, the vehicle may not balance the air-fuel ratio. This also affects the ignition system, sometimes making it difficult to start the engine.
Engine misfire
A vehicle engine usually misfires when the combustion chamber cannot complete the combustion process. This means it may skip the air-fuel intake, compression, ignition or combustion, and/or exhaust output. However, it’s important to note that several parameters can cause an engine to misfire. Therefore, always track the root cause of an engine misfire before blaming the IAT sensor.
What Causes error code P0113
While a P0113 error code means the air intake is too hot, several other reasons can trigger the powertrain control module to throw error code P0113 on VW and other car models. Here are the common causes.
Malfunctioning MAF sensor
A lousy or damaged MAF sensor may send false signals to the engine control unit, causing it to allow too much air into the engine. This may cause the air intake system to overheat. When this happens, the car computer will throw a P0113 fault code on the car memory.
Wiring issues
Several wiring issues like short or open circuits, broken, frayed, or damaged wires, and corroded terminals can cause error code P0113.
A lousy air intake temperature sensor
A lousy air intake temperature sensor is a common cause of error code P0113 on Nissan and other car models. If this is the culprit, you can adjust, clean, or replace it to fix the fault code.
Dirty or clogged air filter
A dirty or clogged air filter is another common cause of a P0113 error code. A dirty or clogged air filter will prevent adequate air flow or make the air intake system work harder to get the right airflow into the engine. In both scenarios, the air intake temperature will soar, causing the engine control module (ECM) to log a P0113 trouble code.
A faulty powertrain control module
A malfunctioning or bad PCM can cause several engine issues. In a P0113 diagnostic trouble code case, a bad PCM is unlikely the case. Though, it is possible.
How serious error code P0113 is?
This problem is common and does not project any drivability issues. However, if you ignore it for an extended period, it may cause unexpected issues.
A P0113 error code can cause the car computer to trigger a check engine light and a failsafe mode. With the check engine light, the vehicle will fail emission inspection. And the failsafe mode will limit some system functionalities, shutting down some system component operations.
P0113 issues may project lean engine running signs depending on your car model. Driving with the P0113 on Toyota or any car model for an extended period will cause issues with internal engine components like the valves and piston rings.
Common P0113 diagnosis mistakes
The most common diagnostic mistake amongst mechanics and DIYers when diagnosing the P0113 error code is replacing the IAT sensor without inspecting the wires and connections. Other common mistakes include:
- Not following the automaker’s pinpoint diagnostics procedures or not following them religiously.
- Not confirming if the IAT sensor is the culprit before replacement.
How to diagnose
You need a proper diagnostic procedure if you want to track the root cause of a P0113 error code at home without wrongly replacing good components. This section explains the diagnosing steps in a simplified way.
In any case, before choosing to fix the P0113 fault code at home, kindly note that this is an intermediate task. If you’re a beginner, contact an expert mechanic to track and fix the root cause. This is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task, especially for DIYers, and the diagnosis requires other tools besides a scanning machine.
Tools and Items Needed
- Scanning tool
- Multimeter
Step 1: Examine the IAT DATA
Get an advanced scanning tool and connect it to the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic scanning port. After that, examine the intake air temperature data using the live data feature on your advanced scan tool. However, start the vehicle and drive or let it idle for around ten minutes.
If the IAT sensor is in good condition, it’ll have a readout below the temp sensor reading.
Step 2: Examine the IAT wiring harness
Visually examine the IAT wiring harness and connectors. Check for corroded terminals, burnt, frayed, or damaged wires.
Step 3: Examine the IAT sensor resistance
Locate and unplug the IAT sensor. Next, check the resistance with a multimeter. After that, apply heat to the tip of the IAT sensor and check the reading. The resistance reading should reduce. However, the sensor is bad and needs replacement if there’s infinite reading or no change as you apply heat.
If this diagnosing procedure fails to clear the check engine light and resolve the P0113 error code, seek a professional assistant.
How do you fix P0113?
Since several parameters can cause the powertrain control module to trigger the P0113 on Chevy and other car models, there are several ways to fix it. The followings are the prominent repairs you need to resolve the P0113 issues.
- Replacing or repairing shorted or opened wiring IAT wiring harness
- Replacing corroded IAT terminals
- Replacing lousy IAT sensor.
How Much to fix P0113
Most auto repair shops will charge you for an hour of diagnosis to track the root cause of the problem. Depending on your location and the repair shop, the auto technician will likely charge you $75 to $150 per hour. Some shops will forfeit the diagnosis charge if you have them fix the problem.
It’ll be nearly impossible to give an accurate estimate without tracking the real cause of the problem.
For error code P0113 on Mitsubishi or your respective car model, one or more of the outlined repairs will be needed to rectify the underlying problem. We have included the parts replacement cost and the service charge for each possible repair.
- IAT sensor replacement $75 to $100
- Repairing or replacing damaged wires or connectors $75 to $150.
FAQs
Q: Can I drive with a P0113 code?
A P0113 diagnostic trouble code does not pose any drivability issues. This makes it safe to drive with it for a short period. However, ignoring this error code for an extended period can cause issues in the internal engine components because you have been running with a lean engine for a long period. And this will drop expensive repair bills on the table.
Q: Can P0113 cause no start?
A P0113 error code can cause several issues. What happens here is this; when the P0113 error occurs, the engine cooling temperature may be reading 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the IAT is reading 101 degrees Fahrenheit. This coolant and air temperature disparity will cause the engine control unit to send excess fuel to the engine during a cold start. This will eventually foul the spark plugs, resulting in hard starting or no start conditions.
Q: Can a dirty air filter cause a P0113 code?
A dirty air filter is a significant cause of a P0113 error code. If a dirty air filter restricts adequate airflow, it will cause the engine to work harder to suck enough air. And if the air filter is clogged, it will drastically reduce airflow, preventing air passage.
Either of the situations will increase the air temperature, causing the powertrain control module to throw a P0113 fault code.
Q: Is the IAT and MAF sensor the same?
The MAF sensor stands for mass air flow sensor, while the IAT stands for intake air temperature. The MAF measures the air volume that goes into the engine, while the IAT measures the air temperature.
These sensors perform different tasks. However, some manufacturers build the IAT and MAF in a single unit sensor. This makes people think both sensors are the same. But technically, they are different.
Final Words
Whether you were wondering how do I fix error code P0113 or looking for the meaning of the fault code, this article has explained it. Generally, the P0113 error is not a severe issue and will not prevent you from driving your vehicle or keep you stranded on the road.
However, if you ignore this code for an extended period, it may result in a hard start. So, ensure you fix this trouble code at the early stage before it escalates to a major. Follow the above guides to track and fix the root cause as soon as possible.
In any case, if you do not trust your guts, have a mechanic run a proper diagnostic and fix the error.
