Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake ): Description and Operation

1993 Geo Prizm L4-1600cc 1.6L DOHCSECTION Description and Operation

The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor is located in the side of air cleaner.

The IAT sensor is a thermistor (a resistor whose resistance changes as a function of temperature). The ECT is a two wire sensor with a referance voltage and a ground provided by the ECM. Low air temperature produces a high resistance and high temperatures result in a low resistance.

The ECM supplies a five-volt signal to the sensor through a resistor in the ECM and measures the signal voltage. The voltage will be high when the air is cold and low when the air is hot.

The IAT sensor provides air temperature information to the ECM for calculating air density. The ECM uses IAT, MAP and engine speed to calculate the amount of air flowing into the engine.

A failure in the IAT sensor circuit should set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 24.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.