P0114 OBD-II Trouble Code: IAT Sensor Circuit Intermittent Input Problem

P0114 code definition

Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor circuit intermittent input problem

What the P0114 code means

P0114 is the OBD-II generic code that the engine control module (ECM) has recorded the IAT sensor input intermittently.

What causes the P0114 code?

The IAT sensor input to the ECM is very erratic or is alternating between shorting and an open circuit.

What are the symptoms of the P0114 code?

• The ECM turns on the Check Engine Light and goes into a failsafe mode.
• Intermittent hard starting
• Fuel mileage varying from good to bad depending on sensor values
• Exhaust having black smoke out of the tailpipe on acceleration
• Engine may have pre-ignition and run lean

Note: The symptoms are determined by the manufacturer failsafe ECM strategy for the vehicle during a failure and may vary between manufacturers and vehicles.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0114 code?

• Scans the ECM, documents the codes received, and views the freeze frame data to see the conditions present when the code was set

• Clears the vehicle of fault codes and the retests the vehicle to see if the code comes back

• Performs a visual inspection to see if there is a disconnected or loose electrical connector to sensor

• Looks at harness and connector for a short to power

• Observes the sensor’s live data on the scanner while doing a wiggle test for an open or short circuit in the wiring, connections or sensor

If no problems are noted, the mechanic performs the manufacturer's specific pinpoint tests for the code and repair as needed.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0114 code

• Not performing a visual inspection of connections and wiring

• Not following the manufacturer pinpoint test procedure step-by-step and skipping steps

• Not replacing an IAT sensor only when tests indicate a problem

• Not connecting a new or known good sensor to the harness and viewing the ECM data to see if the temperature output from the sensor is as expected

How serious is the P0114 code?

• The P0114 code will cause the engine ECM to go into a failsafe mode.

• The failsafe mode, depending on the manufacturer failsafe mode strategy, may cause erratic drivability symptoms.

• Driving the vehicle for an extended time with the vehicle in failsafe mode may require additional repairs to remove carbon or repair possible ignition problems.

What repairs can fix the P0114 code?

• Repairing or replacing the IAT connector to fix shorts or the open circuit caused by corrosion

• Repairing or replacing the wiring as necessary to fix shorted or open circuits in the harness

• Replacing the IAT with a new sensor

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0114 code

• The P0114 code is often associated with P0111, P0112, and P0113 codes.

• Most intake air temperature sensor problems for code P0114 are failures from damaged or corroded harness connectors and the sensors failing internally.

Need help with a P0114 code?

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