Hi,

95 Maxima SE w/ anti-lock brakes, 5 spd.

I did the diagnostic test & I got a trouble code 0401: Intake Air Temperature Sensor. Does anyone have any write up on how to get this fix? I saw the posting on the sticky but not sure how to get it fix. If anyone ever got this code & have fixed it before, please advise.

Your input is greatly appreciated.


Found this on the sticky:

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).

 

first try cleaning it

 

Funny you should ask. I just replaced mine about 20 minutes ago. It was about $30 at the dealership. It is located near the rear of the black placstic "ram air" tubing near the throttle body. It is plugged into a wire harness, and the wire harness is secured with the mass air flow sensor wire harness, so if you can find where that harness is, the intake air temp sensor is next to it. You might try cleaning it, or worst case scenario, you'll have to spend about $30 and just replace it. then reset your check engine light and it shoud stay off.

 

Does anyone have any diagrams of how to find that intake air temp sensor. It would really help me cause i have the same problem.

 

The best way to find it is to remove the black plastic ram air piece if you cant find it in the rear of the tubing. If you can remove that whole piece, you can't help but find the Intake Air Temp Sensor. You'll see it, it's connected to a wire harness. It's a little black barb-looking sensor.