P0113: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High (Bank 1)
P0113 means the engine computer is getting a signal from the first intake air temperature sensor that is higher than its valid range, which usually points to an open circuit such as an unplugged connector, a broken wire or a failed sensor. It is usually a minor problem you may barely notice, but it turns on the check engine light and should be fixed.
You can drive, but get it checked soon
Most cars run almost normally with this code, so a short drive to a shop or home is generally fine. Some systems may limit engine torque, and the computer may run a slightly richer mixture and use more fuel, so don't leave it unrepaired for long.
What it means
The intake air temperature sensor measures how warm the air entering the engine is. Depending on the vehicle, it is built into the mass air flow sensor, mounted near the air filter or, on some naturally aspirated GM engines, fitted in the intake manifold. Most of these sensors are thermistors (resistors whose resistance changes with temperature) fed by a 5 V reference: the hotter the air, the lower the signal voltage. When the circuit is open, from a disconnected plug, a broken wire, an open sensor or a missing ground, the signal voltage climbs and the computer reads an extremely cold temperature (about -60 °C on GM). That out-of-range reading sets P0113. The computer monitors this continuously. GM vehicles need the fault on two trips before the light comes on. Documented limits include Ford petrol engines above 4.96 V for 5 seconds, Ford diesel above 4.91 V and GM above about 127 kilohms.
Likely causes
- Connector unplugged or loose, or wire brokenVery likely
A sensor left unplugged after an air filter change is a classic cause, and one manufacturer bulletin describes wires breaking at the connector from harness tension.
- Sensor open internallyVery likely
A sensor that has failed open gives the same too-high signal as a disconnected plug.
- Sensor return (ground) wire openPossible
Without its ground path the sensor circuit cannot complete, so the signal voltage rises to the maximum.
- Signal wire shorted to a voltage sourceLess likely
A short to voltage pushes the signal above its valid range.
- Engine control module faultyLess likely
A fault inside the computer can cause a false high reading, but this is rare compared with wiring and sensor faults.
What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Usually hardly noticeable
- Slightly richer mixture and higher fuel consumption possible
- Torque limitation on some systems
What to check, cheapest first
- 1Find the intake air temperature sensor (in the air intake, in the mass air flow sensor or in the intake manifold) and make sure its connector is fully plugged in and latched. · you can do it
- 2Look at the wires and connector for breaks, pulled wires, corrosion or bent pins, especially if the air filter was recently changed or the harness is under tension. · you can do it
- 3Clear the code and see whether it returns after driving. If it does not return, a loose connection was the likely cause. · you can do it
- 4Read the live intake air temperature value with a scan tool. A reading of about -40 °C or colder on a warm engine (about -60 °C on GM) confirms an open circuit or short to voltage. · mechanic
- 5Unplug the sensor and measure the reference voltage, the sensor return (ground) and the sensor's resistance to find out whether the wiring or the sensor is at fault. · mechanic
- 6Check the signal wire for a short to voltage. If wiring and sensor test good, have the engine control module checked. · mechanic
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0113 code?+
Usually yes for a short time, since the engine typically runs almost normally. Fuel use may rise and some systems limit torque, so have it fixed soon.
Can a loose or unplugged connector cause P0113?+
Yes, this is one of the most common causes. A sensor left unplugged after an air filter change will set this code. A gas cap is not a cause of this code.
Will P0113 pass an emissions test?+
Probably not. The code is emissions relevant and keeps the check engine light on. After repair, a drive cycle (a set pattern of driving) is needed so the monitors can finish before a retest.
Is it a hard repair?+
Usually not. It is rated easy and can often be done at home. Estimated time is roughly 0.2 to 1.5 hours, depending on whether it is a plug, a wire or the sensor.
Written with the help of AI from the public OBDex definition (CC0). Each make may use the code differently. Updated: 2026-11-10