GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0111:  Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

IAT Sensor Signal

P0112

P0113, P0114

P0113¹, P0114

P0111

Low Reference

--

P0113, P0114

P0113², P0114

P0111

¹ Sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+.

² Internal ECM damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+.

Typical Scan Tool Data

IAT Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop.

Parameter Normal Range: Varies with ambient air temperature and engine operation.

IAT Sensor Signal

128°C (248°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)¹

Low Reference

--

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)¹

¹ Internal ECM or sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+.

Circuit Description

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the air entering the engine. The IAT sensor has a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT signal circuit and a ground for the IAT low reference circuit.

The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:

Temperature

IAT Resistance

IAT Signal Voltage

Cold

High

High

Warm

Low

Low

Conditions for Running the DTC

Condition 1

    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) and intake air temperature (IAT) are within 3°C (6°F) of each other at startup.
    • The ECT has decreased greater than 45°C (81°F) from the previous ignition cycle.
    • The IAT is between -10 and +85°C (+13 and +186°F).
    • The ECT is greater than -10°C (+13°F).
    • The engine run time is greater than 700 seconds.
    • The vehicle has been driven greater than 7 km (4 miles)
    • DTC P0111 runs continuously once the above conditions are met for greater than 2 seconds.

Condition 2

    • The ECT is greater than -10°C (+13°F).
    • The MAF is greater than 4 g/s.
    • DTC P0111 runs continuously once the above conditions are met for greater than 2 seconds.

Condition 3

    • The ECT is greater than -10°C (+13°F).
    • The MAF is greater than 7 g/s.
    • DTC P0111 runs continuously once the above conditions are met for greater than 2 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Condition 1

    • The ECM detects that the IAT does not change greater than 3°C (6°F).
    • The condition exists for greater than 2 seconds.

Condition 2

    • The ECM detects that the IAT increased less than 3°C (6°F) or greater than 45°C (81°F).
    • The condition exists for greater than 2 seconds.

Condition 3

    • The ECM detects that the IAT increased less than 3°C (6°F) or greater than 35°C (63°F).
    • The condition exists for greater than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0111 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0111 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

If the vehicle has sat overnight, the IAT sensor and the ECT sensor values should display within 3°C (6°F).

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that DTCs P0112 or P0113 are not set.
  2. If DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set, refer to DTC P0112 or P0113 .
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the IAT sensor.
  2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool IAT sensor parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit. Verify the scan tool IAT sensor parameter is greater than 125°C (240°F).
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the IAT sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the IAT sensor.
  2. Important: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.

  3. Test the sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. .
  4. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification
  5. If not within the specified range, replace the IAT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming