Guys, i need to get my car inspected and the mechanic said i won't pass with a check engine light on. I ran diag and got 0401 code which points to Intake Air Temp Sensor problem. I still have no clue where this this is located.

If anyone could tell me what it looks like, what I can do to get ride of the problem, or if u had the same problem - let me know what u did.

Should i buy a new one from dealer - $50-60 or get one from the junk yard?

How do u check the wiring for this?



From the ECU Diag document i got the following:
0401
Diagnostic Trouble Code 0401 points to a problem with the Intake Air Temperature Sensor. The IATS is mounted in the engine air intake duct, downstream of the air cleaner filter. It detects intake air temperature and transmits a signal to the Engine Control Module. The sensor uses a thermistor, a resistor with a value which is inversely proportional to temperature. The IATS is not directly used to control the engine. It is used only for diagnostic purposes. Therefore the engine should start and run normally, even with the Malfunction Indicator Light on and DTC 0401 stored.
This malfunction is detected when ...
a) An excessively low or high voltage from the sensor is detected by the ECM.
b) The signal from the IATS is inconsistent with the signal received from the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
Possible causes include ...
- Harness or connectors (The sensor circuit is open or shorted.)
- a faulty Intake Air Temperature Sensor
The IATS resistance values should be ...
- at 14 degrees F, 7.0-11.4 Kohms
- at 68 degrees F, 2.1-2.9 Kohms
- at 176 degrees F, 0.27-0.38 Kohms
For further information about the Intake Air Temperature Sensor please refer to the Chilton repair manual (page 4-16) or the Haynes repair manual (page 6-11).


Thanks in advance,
Viktor.

 

The air intake temp sensor is located on the duct work that goes from the scoop on top of the radiator and connects to the airbox. It plugs into a whole in the duct in the bend right before the airbox. You should be able to feel it if you run your hand along the duct under the MAF. Good luck.

 

bump it up

 

to pass you could just get a resistor and put it in place of the sensor. The ECU wont care and the light will go away. if you are weary about it try and pick up a used IATS.