2012 Toyota Prius TwoFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

DTC P0111: Intake Air Temperature Sensor Gradient Too High: Description

Fig 1: Resistance And Temperature Graph
GTY181297Courtesy of Β© TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  • The intake air temperature sensor, mounted in the mass air flow meter sub-assembly, monitors the intake air temperature. The intake air temperature sensor has a built-in thermistor with a resistance that varies according to the temperature of the intake air. When the intake air temperature becomes low, the resistance of the thermistor increases. When the temperature becomes high, the resistance drops. These variations in resistance are transmitted to the ECM as voltage changes (See Fig. 1 above).
  • The intake air temperature sensor is powered by a 5 V supply from the THA terminal of the ECM, via resistor R which is located inside the ECM.
  • Resistor R and the intake air temperature sensor are connected in series. When the resistance value of the intake air temperature sensor changes, according to changes in the intake air temperature, the voltage at terminal THA also varies. Based on this signal, the ECM increases the fuel injection volume when the engine is cold to improve driveability.
DTC No. DTC Detection Condition Trouble Area
P0111 When either of following conditions are met (2 trip detection logic):
  • In duration between engine warmed up and next engine starts, change in intake air temperature sensor output below threshold
  • During engine warming up after cold engine starts, change in intake air temperature sensor output bellow threshold
Mass air flow meter sub-assembly
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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.