Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Inlet Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor: Description
The IAT sensor is used to detect the temperature of intake air to support the correction of fuel flow and ignition timing, and the compensation of air temperature for idle control.
For the measure feature of the IAT sensor at malfunction, if the coolant temperature is normal, the intake air substitution value is 0°C when the coolant temperature is below 69.75°C while the value is 60°C when the coolant temperature is over 69.75°F.
The substitution value should be 60°C when the engine coolant temperature sensor is failed simultaneously.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.