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P0112 Severity
Once the vehicle's onboard system no longer detects the issue, most codes will disappear on their own. If your vehicle still has this code, however, it should be properly diagnosed to avoid a more serious problem.
For a proper diagnosis, RepairPal Certified shops have the equipment, tools, and expertise.
Moderate severity codes might not threaten the vehicle's safety or functionality immediately, but you should still get it diagnosed within a reasonable time frame to keep your car running well.
The Intake Air Temperature Sensor measures the air temperature going into the engine. The engine control module (PCM) uses this information to determine how much fuel to use to keep the engine running properly. When the PCM detects a problem with this sensor or the circuit for the sensor, it will set code P0112.
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OBD-II Code P0112 is defined as a Intake Air Temperature Circuit Low Input
The Intake Air Temperature Sensor measures the rise and fall of the air temperature inside the Intake Manifold. This provides critical data needed for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to control the Air Fuel Ratio, the Ignition Spark Timing and many components of the Emission Control Systems.
Code P0112 sets when the voltage signal to the PCM from the Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit stays below .5 volts while the Coolant Temperature Voltage readings are rising and falling within an appropriate range.
When diagnosing a P0112 code, it is important to record the freeze frame information and then to duplicate the code setting conditions with a test drive while paying close attention to engine load, throttle position, RPM, and road speed on a data streaming scan tool. As you drive the vehicle, compare these values to the Intake Air Temperature Sensor PID or parameter ID. The Intake Air Temperature Sensor voltage values should rise and fall with changes in engine temperature. Compare the Intake Air Temperature or IAT readings to the Coolant Temperature Sensor readings, as they should move in tandem with each other. However, the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor will have a much higher temperature range.
Check the IAT sensor connector with the key on and the engine off. There needs to be a steady 5 volt reference voltage and a very good ground. Find and use the proper engine performance wiring diagram to discern the proper color and position of these wires in the connector.
It never hurts to do a key on-engine off voltage output test of the IAT sensor. Typically, I CAREFULLY use a heat gun to raise the temperature of the area around the sensor and study the change in values of the Intake Air Temperature. It's important to use the scan tool data stream as this will verify the IAT harness and connections.