P0110Fuel and air

P0110: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit (Bank 1)

P0110 means the engine computer found a general fault in the circuit of the first intake air temperature sensor, which measures how warm the air entering the engine is. It is usually not urgent because the computer switches to a substitute temperature, but some vehicles also reduce engine power.

You can drive, but get it checked soon

The module falls back on a substitute temperature, so the car often drives normally, but some systems limit power or torque and cold starts may be slightly worse. Short trips to get it checked are reasonable; avoid long trips if power is reduced.

What it means

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor tells the engine control module how hot the incoming air is, so it can adjust fuel delivery. Depending on the vehicle, the sensor is built into the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, mounted near the air filter, or on some naturally aspirated GM engines, fitted in the intake manifold. Most versions are thermistors (resistors whose resistance changes with temperature) fed with 5 volts: the hotter the air, the lower the signal voltage. P0110 is the general circuit fault. On conventional analog sensors, most manufacturers report a low or high signal separately as P0112 or P0113, so P0110 mainly shows up with digital (SENT) sensors that combine air mass and temperature, where it means lost communication or an implausible status. Some Bosch systems also use it as a collective code covering an open circuit or a short to ground. The module then uses a substitute temperature, and some systems also limit torque.

Likely causes

Connector or wiring to the sensor open or corrodedVery likely
A broken or corroded connection interrupts the signal, so the module sees a circuit fault.
Faulty sensor, or a mass air flow sensor with a built-in temperature sensorVery likely
If the sensor itself fails, it sends no valid reading, and on digital units it can lose communication with the module.
Sensor supply voltage or ground disturbedPossible
The sensor needs a steady reference voltage and a good ground to produce a usable signal.
Faulty engine control moduleLess likely
The module itself can fail to read the circuit correctly, but this is rare compared with wiring and sensor faults.

What you may notice

Check engine light on
Reduced power or torque limitation on some systems
Otherwise often unnoticeable; cold starts may be slightly worse

What to check, cheapest first

1Read the code and any related codes (P0111, P0112, P0113, P0114, P0100, P0095) with a scan tool, and note which are present. · you can do it
2Look at the sensor connector and wiring for looseness, corrosion, bent pins, or damaged insulation, and reseat the connector. · you can do it
3Check where the sensor is located (in the MAF sensor, near the air filter, or in the intake manifold) and inspect the housing for damage. · you can do it
4Compare the live IAT reading on a scan tool with the actual air temperature on a cold engine; a reading far off or fixed points to the sensor or circuit. · you can do it
5Measure the sensor's supply voltage, ground, and signal at the connector, and test the wiring for opens or shorts to ground. · mechanic
6If wiring and supply are fine, replace the sensor (or the MAF sensor if it contains it); test the engine control module only as a last step. · mechanic

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with a P0110 code?+

Usually yes for short distances, since the computer uses a substitute temperature. Some systems limit power, so get it checked soon.

Will P0110 pass an emissions test?+

Probably not. The code is emissions relevant and turns on the check engine light, so repair it and complete a drive cycle before testing.

Can I fix P0110 myself?+

Often yes. The repair is rated easy, typically 0.3 to 1.5 hours, and many cases come down to a connector or the sensor.

How is P0110 different from P0112 and P0113?+

P0112 and P0113 report a low or high signal on conventional sensors. P0110 is the general circuit fault, common with digital sensors or collective Bosch codes.

Written with the help of AI from the public OBDex definition (CC0). Each make may use the code differently. Updated: 2026-11-10