P0114 Code: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent

The P0114 code is one of several error codes that appear on the onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner when a critical sensor in the engine is in trouble. This guide can help you better understand code P0114, its causes and symptoms, and how to diagnose and fix it.

What Does Code P0114 Mean?

Code P0114 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that means the vehicle’s onboard computer has received an intermittent signal from the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. A P0114 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM)/engine control module (ECM) has detected the IAT signal failing out of limit briefly a few times, and then returning to normal.

Usually located near the air filter housing or merged with the mass airflow (MAF) sensor, the IAT sensor sends airflow temperature readings as electric signals to the ECM. When the latter receives an inconsistent signal, it activates the check engine light on the dashboard and stores the P0114 code.

Keep in mind that this code doesn’t appear in most vehicle code lists.

What Causes Code P0114?

There are several known causes of code P0114, with the most common being a faulty IAT sensor or problems with the wiring. A dirty air filter and a leak along the air intake have also been known to trigger this code.

There are also cases where the ECM accidentally stores code P0114 due to a software glitch However, this is an extreme case and may also cause other unrelated diagnostic codes to appear.

Faulty IAT Sensor

Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can gradually build up around the IAT sensor’s sensing element, preventing it from getting a consistent temperature reading, but that will usually trigger a different code than the P0114 or may set no code at all if the sensor signal is in range. Mechanical damage or defects in the sensor’s components can also cause it to malfunction.

Wiring Issues

Loose connectors and damage to the wiring harness and connectors of the IAT sensor can also disrupt the circuit. Connector pin fit is a frequent reason for intermittent signals on all kinds of sensors, showing that the connector isn’t making contact all the time.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter does not normally trigger code P0114, but if there is a severe buildup of dirt or debris, it may start to obstruct airflow into the intake. This can force the engine to draw in air from hotter areas of the engine bay and affect temperature readings. But again, that won’t cause the IAT signal to be intermittent and may not even set a code.

Air Intake Leaks

An intake leak near hotter areas of the engine bay may also cause hot air to enter the engine and get picked up by the IAT sensor. But normally, this won’t set the code.

What Are the Symptoms of Code P0114?

The symptoms of code P0114 can vary, but because this code points to an intermittent issue, there may be no symptoms at all, or they may be very mild. The IAT input doesn’t always cause the same issue on every vehicle platform, and ambient temperatures greatly affect how the IAT influences engine operation.

Most systems substitute a reading that is used for fuel calculations when the IAT is known to be out of range; usually, an air temperature of about 100 degrees is substituted.

The first and often most common sign of a P0114 is an illuminated check engine light on the instrument panel. You may also experience difficulty starting your vehicle, poor engine performance, and increased fuel consumption.

Not all these symptoms may appear when a code P0114 is stored. As previously mentioned, in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

Vehicle Starting Problems

An inconsistent or inaccurate signal from the IAT sensor may cause the ECM to make incorrect adjustments to the fuel-air mix, making it difficult to start the engine.

If, for example, the ambient temperature is 40 degrees and the ECT is reading that same temperature, but the PCM has substituted a temperature of 100 degrees due to an out-of-range IAT, the engine will over-fuel and foul the plugs when starting on a cold day.

But on a warm day, the engine may start just fine. This can be confusing and can cause intermittent hard or no-start situations.

Poor Engine Performance

Intermittent IAT sensor readings could lead to rough idling, misfires, or the engine stumbling during acceleration, but that usually won’t happen due to an IAT signal.

Increased Fuel Consumption

If the IAT sensor is faulty and provides inaccurate temperature readings, the ECM may deliver too much fuel. As mentioned, this is an intermittent failure so that won’t usually be the case.

How to Diagnose Code P0114

Diagnosing the cause of code P0114 in your vehicle is best performed by a professional mechanic, but if the sensor is easy to get to, just disconnect it, inspect the connector, and pop another sensor in to see what happens. It’s usually pretty simple unless the sensor is part of the MAF sensor.

Here are some general troubleshooting steps you can do by yourself, such as:

Retrieve and Analyze Engine Codes

Connect an OBD-II scan tool to the vehicle to verify if code P0114 or other error codes are stored by the ECM.

Test the IAT sensor

Use the scan tool to check whether the IAT sensor readings are consistent with factory specifications. You can also try disconnecting the IAT sensor and scanning it again; if the reading jumps to a very high value, there might be an open circuit in the sensor wiring.

Inspect the Wiring

Check for loose connections, bent contacts, chafing, corrosion, or other visible signs of damage to the wiring harness and connectors. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity between the sensor wires and the ground.

Inspect the Air Filter

Take note if the filter is secured properly and check for severe buildup or any obstructions that could be disrupting airflow.

Check for Leaks

Inspect the air intake pipe, air filter housing, and other parts of the air intake system where outside air might enter.

How to Fix Code P0114

There are many different approaches to fixing code P0114 depending on the cause and severity. The following are some of the common repairs for this code:

Clean or Replace the IAT Sensor

Use MAF sensor cleaner to gently remove any dirt buildup on the IAT sensor element. If the sensor itself may be faulty, replace it with an OE-compatible unit.

Repair or Replace the Sensor Wiring

Tighten any loose connections and remove any minor corrosion with electronic contact cleaner. Replace any broken or severely corroded wires.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter should only be replaced if it is extremely dirty or damaged.

Patch Up Any Intake Leaks

Secure any loose pipes or components and replace those that are cracked, worn, or damaged.

Other Codes Related to P0114

Code P0114 belongs to a series of codes assigned to the IAT sensor. These codes often appear with each other and can help pinpoint the exact problem.

P0110

This generic diagnostic code indicates an error from the IAT sensor circuit. It does not specify the exact error and is usually stored with P0114 or one of the codes below.

P0111

This code indicates that the ECM has received a signal from the IAT sensor that is outside the expected range.

P0112

This code means the IAT sensor has sent a signal to the ECM at a voltage lower than expected.

P0113

This code is similar to P0112, except that the IAT sensor is sending out signals at an abnormally high voltage.