P0114Fuel and air

P0114: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

P0114 means the engine computer sees an unsteady signal from the first intake air temperature sensor, most often because of a loose connection or a partly broken wire. It is usually a low-urgency fault that causes few or no noticeable symptoms, but it turns on the check engine light and is emissions-related.

You can keep driving

The data lists no limp mode for this code and usually no noticeable symptoms, so short-term driving is generally acceptable. An occasional stumble or rough idle is possible, and the fault should still be fixed so the check engine light does not hide other problems and the car can pass an emissions check.

What it means

The intake air temperature (IAT) 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 versions are thermistors (resistors whose resistance changes with temperature) fed with 5 volts: the hotter the air, the lower the signal voltage. Air temperature changes slowly, so a signal that jumps around quickly points to the wiring or connector rather than the air. Ford sets the code after ten brief out-of-range excursions in one drive cycle, each too short to trigger P0112 or P0113. GM checks for noise within the valid range and needs two trips (drive cycles) to set the code. A typical culprit is a loose contact that opens up as the engine moves.

Likely causes

Loose contact at the connector (corrosion, weak terminal tension)Very likely
A poor connection makes the signal flicker, which the computer reads as an erratic sensor.
Partly broken wire that opens with engine movementVery likely
A wire with a hidden break loses contact as the engine rocks and reconnects as it settles, producing sudden jumps.
Sensor with internal contact problemPossible
A fault inside the sensor can interrupt its signal even when the wiring is fine.
Electrical interference or ground faultLess likely
Electrical noise or a poor ground can disturb the sensor's small signal voltage.

What you may notice

Check engine light on
Usually no noticeable symptoms
Occasional brief stumble or rough idle possible

What to check, cheapest first

1Read the code and any related codes (P0110, P0111, P0112, P0113, P0099) with a scan tool, and note whether other codes are stored. · you can do it
2Find the intake air temperature sensor (in the air intake, near the air filter, built into the mass air flow sensor, or in the intake manifold on some GM engines) and inspect its connector for corrosion, bent pins, or a loose fit. · you can do it
3With the engine idling, watch the IAT reading on a scan tool while gently wiggling the connector and wiring. A sudden jump in the reading points to a loose contact or a broken wire. · you can do it
4Look along the harness for chafing, damage, or wires stretched by engine movement, and repair or secure any problem found. · you can do it
5Test the wiring for continuity and the sensor's resistance, and check the ground and signal circuit for faults or interference. · mechanic
6Replace the sensor if the wiring and connector test fine, then clear the code and complete a drive cycle to confirm the code does not return. · mechanic

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with a P0114 code?+

Usually yes for a short time, since limp mode is not expected and there are often no symptoms. Get it checked soon, especially if the engine stumbles or idles roughly.

Can a gas cap cause P0114?+

No. P0114 concerns the intake air temperature sensor circuit, so a loose gas cap is not a listed cause. Look at the sensor connector and wiring instead.

Will P0114 pass an emissions test?+

Probably not. The code is emissions-relevant and turns on the check engine light, so the fault generally needs to be repaired and the code cleared first. A drive cycle is required before the system confirms the fix.

How hard is it to fix P0114 myself?+

The repair is rated medium difficulty and can be done at home. Estimated time is roughly 0.3 to 2 hours, depending on whether it is a connector, 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