Air intakeGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0113: intake air temperature sensor: high signal
P0113 means: intake air temperature sensor circuit: input high.[1][2] The engine control unit has detected that the signal voltage from the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is too high, above what the sensor gives in normal operation. It is an NTC sensor: the colder the air, the more voltage it gives, and a maximum voltage usually indicates an open circuit (interrupted sensor, broken wire or loose connector) or a short to positive, not an actual air temperature.[1][2][3][4][5]
What code P0113 means
The engine control unit has detected that the signal voltage from the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is too high, above what the sensor gives in normal operation. It is an NTC sensor: the colder the air, the more voltage it gives, and a maximum voltage usually indicates an open circuit (interrupted sensor, broken wire or loose connector) or a short to positive, not an actual air temperature.[1][2][3][4][5]
The control unit uses the air temperature to adjust injection and ignition, so with wrong data the mixture can come out incorrect. While the fault lasts it works with a substitute value: in the workshop manual for the 2001 Saab 9-3, for example, 40 °C. On many cars this sensor is built into the air mass meter (MAF sensor).[2][3][4][5]
It is a generic OBD-II code (it starts with P0), not specific to a make, so its definition is the same on any car; what changes from one engine to another is the most likely cause.[6]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input[1][2]
Causes of P0113
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Faulty IAT sensor, normally with the internal thermistor open: according to Carista it is the most common cause.[1][3][4][7]
- 2Sensor wiring or connector in poor condition: broken or worn wires or ones rubbing against other parts, an unplugged connector or one with corroded terminals that add resistance, or a short circuit in the signal circuit.[1][3][4][7]
- 3Faulty air mass meter when the temperature sensor is built into it.[1][3]
- 4Faulty fuse (cited by Ross-Tech on VW group cars).[7]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on in the instrument cluster.[1][3][4][7]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Rough cold starts or difficulty starting the engine.[1][3]Hard to start: faults that cause it
- Reduced engine performance and problems accelerating.[1]Less power: faults that cause it
- Slight increase in fuel consumption.[3]Uses more fuel: faults that cause it
- Irregular engine running.[1]
- The symptoms are usually mild: many drivers only see the code when they connect a reader for another reason.[3]
How to diagnose P0113
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1With diagnostic equipment, read the intake air temperature with the engine cold (after sitting overnight it should be almost the same as the coolant and ambient temperatures) and compare them: an absurd reading, for example well below −30 °C, points to the fault.[1][3][8]
- 2Inspect the sensor, its connector and the wiring (damage, corrosion, rubbing wires) and check the fuses.[1][4][7]
- 3Wiggle the wiring harness at several points and in different directions while watching the value on the diagnostic tool or a multimeter, to detect intermittent breaks or short circuits.[4]
- 4With a multimeter, check that the signal voltage varies with temperature (the colder, the more voltage).[3]
- 5If the reading is still absurd, disconnect the sensor and bridge the signal at the harness connector to earth; then disconnect the control unit connector and verify the continuity of the signal circuit.[1]
- 6If the sensor reads open, replace it (or replace the air mass meter/sensor assembly if they are integrated); if the wiring is damaged, repair it and clean the connector.[1][3]
Can I keep driving with P0113?
Garage soon
No source presents it as a safety risk: Autodoc says it poses no danger on the road and Carista rates it as low severity, with symptoms that are usually mild. Autodoc nevertheless recommends taking it to the garage as soon as possible because it can lead to bigger faults. In the meantime, the control unit works with a substitute air temperature value.[1][3][4]
Documented faults related to P0113
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Engine sensors: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalM264/M254Poorly tightened 48 V earth wiring in the mild-hybrid system (fire risk)Mercedes-Benz has issued several recalls (2022-2025) because the 12 V and 48 V earth connections of some cars with a 48 V system may be poorly tightened: resistance rises, the connection heats up and a fire cannot be ruled out. The official workshop checks them and repairs them if necessary in an hour or more.
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.9 TDIUnit injector tappet wear and injector wiring damageOn the unit injector system, the tappets that operate the injectors can wear if the oil is not changed on time, and the injector wiring can be damaged by contact with oil, causing misfires or loss of power.
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B9Risk of short circuit and fire due to moisture in electrical componentsAudi recalled A4 B9 units built between May 2017 and March 2020 because moisture can seep into an electrical component and cause a short circuit, with a risk of the vehicle catching fire.Repair: €0
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0113?
Yes. Autodoc states that it poses no safety danger on the road and Carista rates it as low severity, with symptoms that are usually mild. Autodoc nevertheless recommends having it checked as soon as possible, because a sensor fault can end in bigger faults.[1][3]
Does "high signal" mean the intake air is very hot?
Not necessarily: "high" refers to the electrical voltage of the signal. On this type of sensor (NTC) the voltage rises when the air is colder, and a maximum voltage is usually an open circuit or a short to positive (this is how the Saab workshop manual describes it). Autodoc states that, if the diagnostic tool shows a temperature below −30 °C, you should disconnect the sensor and carry on with the circuit tests. Carista, by contrast, sums the code up as a "falsely hot" reading, although in its own procedure it says more voltage means colder.[1][3][4][5]
How does P0113 differ from P0112?
Both are intake air temperature sensor circuit faults, depending on the signal voltage: in the Saab workshop manual, if the sensor voltage is too low P0112 is generated and if it is too high, P0113.[5]
Do I have to replace the air mass meter when P0113 appears?
Only if the temperature sensor is built into the air mass meter, which is common according to Carista. Before replacing anything it is best to check the connector and the wiring, which are among the most frequently repeated causes in the sources.[1][3][7]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0113?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[9]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 1.Código de avería P0113 - guía paso a paso para su diagnóstico y resoluciónAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
- 2.P0113 — Intake Air Temperature Circuit High InputThe Automotive Technician (TaT) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- 3.P0113: OBD-II code P0113 means the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is reading falsely hot — usually an open circuit or a bad sensor.Carista · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- 4.Saab 9-3 (9400) 2001, Trionic T7: P0113 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit. Short to B+ / Open Circuit.Saab WIS Online (manual de taller de Saab) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- 5.Saab 9-3 (9400) 2001, Trionic T7: Intake air temperature sensorSaab WIS Online (manual de taller de Saab) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- 6.On-board diagnosticsWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 October 2026
- 7.16497/P0113/000275 - Intake Air Temp. Sensor (G42): Signal too HighRoss-Tech Wiki · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- 8.Engine coolant temperature sensor: how it works, symptoms, problems, testingSamarins.com · Technical documentation · published 18 July 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026
- 9.Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish