fault code guide
P0113: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input
The car computer is reading an unusually high voltage signal from the intake air temperature sensor, which usually means an open circuit or unplugged wire. Your engine will run on fallback data, which can cause poor fuel economy, rough idling and hard starting.
How it shows up: The amber engine management light will stay on steadily, and an OBD scanner will show code P0113. You might also notice a drop in fuel economy, black exhaust smoke or sluggish acceleration when pulling away.
Updated 9 November 2026
Can I keep driving?
Service soon
You can safely drive to complete your journey, but prolonged driving wastes fuel and can eventually foul spark plugs or clog the exhaust catalyst.
What to do right now
- 1Check your instrument cluster to confirm the engine light is steady amber, not flashing.
- 2If the car drives normally with no major hesitation or stalling, continue gently to your destination.
- 3Avoid aggressive acceleration or heavy towing until the fault is diagnosed.
Likely causes
Most likely first.
- Likely
Disconnected or loose sensor connector
The electrical plug on the sensor or mass air flow unit was knocked loose during an air filter change or regular servicing, breaking the circuit completely.
- Likely
Damaged wiring harness
A broken signal or ground wire, often caused by engine vibration or rodent damage, creates an open circuit that the computer sees as maximum voltage.
- Possible
Faulty intake air temperature sensor
The internal thermistor resistor inside the sensor has cracked or failed internally, severing electrical continuity.
- Possible
Corroded connector terminals
Road moisture or grime has worked into the connector plug, oxidising the metal pins and interrupting current flow.
What you can check yourself
Park somewhere safe and level, engine off, before you start.
- 1
Inspect the sensor plug
Turn off the engine, open the bonnet, and find the sensor on the intake air pipe or mass air flow housing. Ensure the electrical plug is pushed fully in and locked tightly into place.
- 2
Check the wiring for breaks
Trace the thin wires leading into the sensor plug back several inches. Look for chafing against metal brackets, snapped insulation or signs of animal chewing.
- 3
Check connector pins for corrosion
Unclip the sensor plug and look inside both halves for green or white crusty build-up or bent pins. Clean pins should look bright silver or copper; if dirty, spray with electrical contact cleaner.
Rough cost to fix
Rough estimateTypical prices in Ireland (€) and the UK (£), from an independent garage up to a main dealer. The total bill depends mainly on whether the sensor is a standalone push-fit probe or built directly into a complete mass air flow assembly.
Reconnecting plug or fixing broken wire
- Do it yourself
- €5–20£5–18 in the UK
- At a garage
- €70–140£60–120 in the UK
Replacing intake air temperature sensor
- Do it yourself
- €20–65£15–55 in the UK
- At a garage
- €95–190£80–160 in the UK
Replacing combined mass air flow and temperature sensor unit
- Do it yourself
- €80–250£70–220 in the UK
- At a garage
- €160–380£140–330 in the UK
When to go to a garage
- The wiring and connector look undamaged but the code returns immediately after clearing.
- The engine begins to idle erratically, blow dark smoke from the exhaust or cut out at junctions.
- The intake air sensor is integrated into a sealed air flow housing and requires multi-meter testing.
Questions drivers ask
Can I keep driving my car with code P0113?
Yes, short journeys to get home or reach a local garage are generally safe. The engine management system substitutes a default air temperature reading, usually around 20 degrees Celsius. However, driving for weeks like this increases petrol or diesel consumption and can eventually soot up your catalytic converter.
What is the difference between P0112 and P0113?
Both codes refer to the intake air temperature sensor circuit, but in opposite directions. P0112 indicates circuit low input, which points to a short circuit to earth and reads as extremely hot air. P0113 indicates circuit high input, which points to an open circuit or disconnected wire and reads as freezing air, often minus 40 degrees.
Will code P0113 cause an MOT or NCT test failure?
On the UK MOT, a glowing engine management light is an automatic failure for petrol cars first used from July 2003 and diesel cars from July 2008. On the Irish NCT, an engine fault light on its own produces an Advisory Pass, but the car will fail if the rich fuel mixture causes exhaust emissions to exceed standard legal limits.
Why did P0113 appear right after an air filter replacement?
This is one of the most common triggers for this fault. Mechanics or owners frequently unclip the intake hose or mass air flow connector to access the air filter housing. If someone forgets to reconnect the plug firmly before turning on the ignition, the engine computer immediately logs P0113.
Test rules here are for the National Car Test in Ireland (NCT) and the MOT in the UK. Elsewhere, check the regulations of your own country or state before going for a vehicle test.
The warning light you may see
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General guidance for most cars, not a diagnosis of yours. Details differ by make, model and year - check your handbook, and if in doubt, don't drive.