CodeXOBD

P0113 — Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input

P0113 usually means a broken wire or an unplugged connector rather than a failed sensor. It is cheap to diagnose and cheap to fix, and the engine will run slightly rich until it is.

Low

The engine runs, usually slightly rich because the module believes the air is denser than it is. Expect a small economy penalty rather than a drivability problem. This code will cause an emissions test failure.

$10–$180Parts, typical range
0.2–1.5 hLabour
estimateNot a quote · 2026 basis

What P0113 means

The intake air temperature sensor is a thermistor: its resistance falls as air warms. The module supplies a reference voltage and reads what comes back, so a high reading corresponds to high resistance and therefore very cold air. When the reported temperature is colder than the module will accept — often far below ambient — it sets P0113. Because an open circuit produces exactly the same high reading as an impossibly cold sensor, a disconnected plug is the first thing to look for.

Technical summary
SystemPowertrain — fuel and air metering
How the fuel mixture is decidedAir passes the mass airflow sensor, then the throttle, into the intake manifold and the cylinder. The module injects fuel to match the measured air, and the upstream oxygen sensor reports the result so it can correct itself. Air entering after the sensor was never measured, which is why a leak downstream of it makes the mixture run lean.Air inAirflow sensormeasures massThrottleCylinderfuel added hereO₂ sensorreports resultAny air entering after the sensor is fuel the module never accounted for

Symptoms you may notice

What causes P0113

Sensor connector unplugged or corroded

Very likelylow costeasy

An open circuit reads the same as impossibly cold air. Connectors are frequently left off after intake work, and corroded pins produce the same result more gradually.

Break in the signal or ground wire

Likelylow costmoderate

A chafed or broken wire between the sensor and the module gives the same high reading. Wiggling the harness while watching live data usually finds it.

Sensor element failed open

Possiblelow costeasy

The thermistor itself fails open with age. Confirm by measuring resistance and comparing against the temperature chart before replacing it — on many engines the sensor is built into the airflow sensor and is not cheap.

Reference voltage or module input fault

Raremedium costprofessional

Rare, and diagnosed only after the wiring and the sensor have been eliminated. Check whether other sensors sharing the same reference are also reporting oddly.

How to diagnose it

1

Compare the reported temperature against reality

With the engine cold and standing overnight, the intake temperature should read close to ambient. A reading far below it, or a fixed extreme value, confirms the fault.

Tools: OBD-II scanner with live dataExpected: Within a few degrees of ambient after standing overnightIf it passes: The reading matches ambient. The fault is intermittent — inspect the harness.If it fails: The reading is implausibly cold or pinned at one value. Continue to step 2.
2

Inspect the connector

Unplug and examine the pins for corrosion, spread terminals and moisture. Reseat firmly and re-check the live reading.

Tools: Inspection lightIf it passes: The reading corrects itself. The connection was the fault.If it fails: No change. Continue to step 3.
3

Jumper the sensor pins and watch the reading

With the ignition on and the sensor unplugged, briefly bridge the signal and ground pins. The reading should swing to its maximum temperature.

Safety

Bridge only the two pins the wiring diagram identifies. Bridging a reference voltage to ground can damage the module.

Tools: Jumper wire, OBD-II scannerIf it passes: The reading swings fully. Wiring and module are good, so the sensor has failed.If it fails: No change when bridged. The fault is in the wiring or the module input — continue to step 4.
4

Check continuity back to the module

Measure continuity on the signal and ground wires between the sensor connector and the module connector, flexing the harness as you go.

Tools: Multimeter, Wiring diagramIf it passes: Continuity is good throughout. Suspect the module input.If it fails: Repair the open circuit.

Related codes

P0112P0101

Common questions

Is P0113 serious?

No. The engine runs and drives normally, usually a little rich. It is worth fixing for economy and to pass an emissions test, but it is not urgent.

Why does the code say high input when the problem is cold air?

The code describes the voltage, not the temperature. High voltage means high resistance, which the sensor produces when it is very cold — or when the circuit is broken, which looks identical.

Where is the sensor?

In the intake tract, and on many engines built into the mass airflow sensor rather than fitted separately. Check the layout before ordering a part.

Last verified 2026-07-27 · Sources: SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions and Failure Type Byte (SAE International)

This information is for general guidance and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Cost figures are estimates, not quotes.