Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent
What it means
The engine computer has seen the intake air temperature (IAT) reading jump suddenly or drop out for short periods and then recover, a change that real air temperature cannot make so quickly. The cause is usually a weak connection in the connector or wiring.
Related lights
Dashboard lights that may come on with this code.
Symptoms4
- Check engine light that comes on and goes off.
- Air temperature reading that jumps suddenly on the scan tool.
- Often no noticeable driving symptom.
- Occasional slight hesitation on acceleration.
Possible causes4
- Loose or corroded pins in the sensor connector.
- Cracked wire or a wire rubbing on metal.
- Moisture inside the connector after an engine wash.
- Intermittent internal failure of the sensor or the MAF sensor it is built into.
How to diagnose5
- Review the freeze frame data to learn when the fault occurred.
- Watch the IAT reading on a scan tool while gently moving the harness and connector, looking for jumps.
- Inspect the connector pins for grip and moisture.
- Trace the harness for rubbing points.
- If the wiring is good, warm the sensor gently and check that its reading changes smoothly.
How to fix4
- Clean and dry the connector pins, or replace the connector.
- Repair the chafed section of the harness and secure it.
- Replace the IAT sensor, or the MAF sensor if it is built in.
- Clear the codes and watch the reading while driving to confirm it stays steady.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
In the Saudi market: SAR 60–1,200 (≈ USD 16–320)
Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.
The fix is often a low-cost connector or wire repair; it rises when a MAF sensor with a built-in IAT sensor is needed.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is this code serious?
Usually not, but it points to a weak connection that can become a constant fault, so fix it at the next service.
Why did the code appear after an engine wash?
Water can get into the connector and cause intermittent readings; drying and cleaning the connector is often enough.
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