Error P0113 – how to fix it?

Definition of the code P0113

Problem with high intake air temperature (IAT) input from sensor circuit

What does code P0113 mean?

P0113 is a generic OBD-II code that indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has registered an IAT sensor output above the expected sensor range.

What causes the P0113 code?

If the sensor output voltage is greater than 4.91 volts for 0.5 seconds or more, the ECM determines that there is an open circuit in the IAT sensor circuit and sets fault code P0113.

What are the symptoms of the P0113 code?

• The ECM will turn on the check engine light and go into safety mode.
• The engine may not start as usual.
• The motor may run at too low a speed.
• The engine may have premature ignition problems due to poor combustion.

Note: Symptoms are determined by the manufacturer’s ECM safety strategy for the vehicle during malfunction and may vary by manufacturer and vehicle.

How does a mechanic diagnose a P0113 code?

• Scan the ECM, document the codes received, and review the freeze frame data to see the conditions present when the code was set.
• Clear the error codes from the vehicle and recheck the vehicle to see if the code reappears.
• Perform a visual check to see if the sensor harness or connector is shorted.
• Watch the live sensor data on the scanner while disconnecting the IAT sensor connector to see if the sensor reading reaches -40°F, indicating that the sensor is shorted.
• If the sensor is disconnected and the input is still 240°F, the short is in the connector or harness.
• If no problem is observed, the mechanic performs the manufacturer’s specific tests for the code and makes repairs as needed.

Most common errors when diagnosing the P0113 code

• Failed visual inspection of connections and cables.
• Failed to follow the manufacturer’s step-by-step test procedure and skipped steps.
• Fails to replace the IAT sensor only when tests indicate a problem.
• Fail to connect a new or known good sensor to the harness and look at the ECM data to see if the sensor temperature output is as expected.

How serious is the code P0113?

• The P0113 code will cause the engine ECM to enter a fail-safe mode.
• The fail-safe mode, depending on the manufacturer’s fail-safe mode strategy, may cause symptoms of underpowered driving.
• Driving the car for an extended period of time with too low an oil level can cause internal problems with the engine rings and valves.

What repairs can fix a P0113 code?

1. Repair or replace the short in the IAT connector.
2. Repair or replace the short in the wiring harness, if necessary.
3. Replace the IAT with a new sensor.

Additional notes on code P0113

Code P0113 is often associated with codes P0111, P0112, and P0114.

Most intake air temperature sensor problems for code P0113 are failures caused by short-circuiting faulty harnesses or by internal short-circuiting of the sensors to power.