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OBD fault code guide

P0113 Code Meaning UK

P0113 means “Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input”. In plain English, the engine computer is seeing an intake air temperature signal that is too high in voltage or outside the expected range. This can happen when the sensor is unplugged, the wiring is damaged, the connector is corroded, or the intake air temperature sensor is faulty.

📅 Updated June 2026 🇬🇧 UK diagnostic guide 🛠 Intake air temperature fault
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✓ P0113 meaning ✓ Sensor and wiring causes ✓ UK repair costs ✓ MOT-aware advice
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Quick answer

What does P0113 mean?

P0113 means the engine computer has detected a high input signal from the intake air temperature sensor circuit. The intake air temperature sensor helps the ECU understand how hot or cold the air entering the engine is. If the signal is too high, disconnected or unrealistic, the ECU stores P0113 and may use a backup value.

Most likely area

IAT sensor, MAF/IAT sensor, wiring, connector, sensor ground or reference voltage.

Urgency

Usually moderate if the car drives normally, but higher if there is rough running, stalling or poor fuel economy.

MOT risk

Can affect emissions if the air temperature fault causes incorrect fuelling or engine warning light issues.

Code meaning

P0113 — Intake Air Temperature Sensor High Input

The full description is usually P0113 Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input. “High input” normally means the ECU is seeing a high voltage signal, which often happens when the sensor circuit is open, unplugged or the wiring connection is poor.

On some vehicles, the intake air temperature sensor is a separate sensor fitted in the intake pipe. On others, it is built into the mass air flow sensor. That is why a P0113 fault can sometimes be linked to MAF sensor wiring, intake pipe work or a connector near the airbox.

Mechanic view

Why P0113 gets misdiagnosed

A common mistake is replacing the sensor without checking whether it is plugged in properly. P0113 is often caused by a loose connector, damaged wire, corroded pins, broken plug clip or a sensor left disconnected after air filter or intake work.

The best first check is simple: inspect the airbox area, MAF/IAT connector and intake pipework before buying parts.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a P0113 code

Some cars with P0113 drive almost normally, while others run rich, hesitate, idle badly or use more fuel because the ECU is working with an incorrect air temperature reading.

Engine management light

A steady engine warning light is the most common sign of a stored P0113 fault.

Poor fuel economy

Incorrect air temperature data can affect fuelling and increase fuel use.

Rough idle

The engine may idle unevenly if the ECU is calculating fuelling from a false reading.

Hesitation

The car may hesitate, stumble or feel slightly flat when accelerating.

Hard starting

Incorrect temperature readings can affect cold-start and warm-start fuelling.

Black smoke or rich smell

Some vehicles may run richer than normal and produce a fuel smell or smoke.

Common causes

What causes a P0113 fault code?

P0113 is commonly caused by sensor circuit problems rather than a serious mechanical engine fault.

Very common

Disconnected IAT sensor

A plug left disconnected after air filter, intake or MAF work can trigger P0113 immediately.

Common

Faulty intake air temperature sensor

The sensor itself can fail and send an unrealistic temperature signal.

Wiring

Broken or damaged wiring

A broken wire, rubbed harness or open circuit can cause a high input reading.

Connector

Corroded connector pins

Moisture or corrosion around the connector can interrupt the signal.

MAF related

MAF/IAT sensor issue

If the IAT sensor is built into the MAF sensor, a MAF connector or sensor fault can trigger P0113.

Previous work

Airbox or intake work mistake

The fault may appear after servicing if the connector was disturbed or the harness was pulled.

Electrical

Poor sensor ground

A poor ground can make the ECU see incorrect sensor voltage.

Electrical

Reference voltage issue

Problems with the sensor supply voltage can affect readings and trigger circuit faults.

ECU rare

ECU or module issue

Rare, but possible after wiring, sensor and connector checks have been completed.

Diagnosis

How a garage should diagnose P0113

✅ Scan all stored, pending and permanent codes.

✅ Record freeze frame data before clearing the code.

✅ Check whether the IAT sensor is separate or built into the MAF sensor.

✅ Inspect the sensor plug, airbox area and intake wiring.

✅ Check for loose connectors, broken clips and corroded pins.

✅ Compare live intake air temperature data with actual outside temperature.

✅ Check sensor resistance or voltage where appropriate.

✅ Check wiring continuity, ground and reference voltage.

✅ Only replace the sensor once the circuit has been checked.

Avoid this mistake

Do not clear it before checking live data

If the scanner shows an intake air temperature reading like -40°C or a completely unrealistic value, that is a useful clue. It can point towards an open circuit, disconnected sensor or wiring problem.

Clearing the code too early can remove freeze frame data that shows when the fault happened, such as after servicing, during cold start or after engine bay work.

UK repair cost guide

How much does P0113 cost to fix in the UK?

Costs vary by vehicle, sensor location, whether the IAT is separate or built into the MAF sensor, and whether the fault is wiring-related. These are rough UK guide prices only.

Diagnostic scan and live data check

Usually around £40–£120 depending on the garage and how much circuit testing is included.

Connector refit or simple repair

If the plug is loose or disconnected, the fix may be simple once the fault is found.

Wiring repair

Costs depend on where the break, corrosion or rubbed wire is located.

Separate IAT sensor replacement

Often moderate cost if the sensor is easy to access and sold separately.

MAF/IAT sensor replacement

Can cost more if the intake air temperature sensor is built into the MAF sensor.

Follow-up emissions check

Useful if the fault caused rich running, poor economy or an MOT emissions concern.

Safe driving advice

Can you drive with a P0113 code?

If the engine light is steady and the car drives normally, short careful driving may be possible. However, the fault should still be checked because incorrect intake air temperature data can affect fuelling, cold starting, emissions and fuel economy.

✅ Lower risk: steady engine light, normal performance, no stalling and no smoke.

⚠️ Medium risk: poor fuel economy, hesitation, hard starting or rough idle.

🚫 Higher risk: stalling, misfire, smoke, strong fuel smell, limp mode or major loss of power.

Real experience

What I would check first

On a real car with P0113, I would first open the bonnet and inspect the intake sensor or MAF plug. Many P0113 faults happen after an air filter change, intake pipe repair or engine bay work where the connector has been disturbed.

Then I would compare the live intake air temperature reading with the outside temperature. If the scanner shows a completely unrealistic value, I would check the wiring and plug before fitting parts.

MOT implications

Will P0113 fail an MOT?

P0113 can lead to an MOT failure if the vehicle has an emissions-related engine warning light, fails emissions, smokes, runs badly or shows an obvious engine fault during the test. The MOT does not simply test the P0113 code itself, but the air temperature fault can affect fuelling and emissions.

Emissions failure

Incorrect air temperature readings can affect fuelling and exhaust emissions.

Warning light issue

An engine warning light linked to emissions should be investigated before MOT.

Running fault

Rough running, smoke, stalling or strong fuel smell should be repaired before testing.

Engine light MOT guide Common MOT failures
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P0113 is one common intake temperature and sensor circuit fault. For more common codes, meanings, symptoms, repair costs and MOT implications, use the main Motor Vehicle Expert fault-code hub.

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions About P0113

Find answers to common questions about P0113 intake air temperature sensor faults, driving safety, repair costs and MOT implications.

What does P0113 mean?

P0113 means the engine computer has detected a high input signal from the intake air temperature sensor circuit. In simple terms, the car thinks the intake air temperature reading is too cold, too high in voltage, disconnected or outside the expected range.

Can I drive with a P0113 code?

Short careful driving may be possible if the car runs normally and the engine light is steady. If the car runs rough, stalls, hesitates, uses too much fuel, misfires or loses power, get it checked quickly.

Will P0113 fail an MOT?

P0113 can lead to an MOT failure if it causes an emissions-related engine warning light, poor emissions, rough running, smoke or an obvious engine performance fault during the test.

What causes a P0113 code?

Common causes include a disconnected intake air temperature sensor, faulty IAT sensor, wiring damage, corroded connector, broken sensor plug, MAF sensor issue if the IAT is built into the MAF, or poor sensor ground/reference voltage.

How much does P0113 cost to fix in the UK?

Basic diagnosis may cost around £40 to £120. A simple connector or wiring repair may be modest, while replacing a separate IAT sensor or a combined MAF/IAT sensor can cost more depending on the vehicle and part quality.

Should I replace the intake air temperature sensor for P0113?

Not automatically. The sensor may be faulty, but P0113 is often caused by a disconnected plug, damaged wiring, corrosion or a MAF/IAT connector issue. The circuit should be checked before replacing parts.

About this guide

Based on practical mechanic-style diagnostic experience

Motor Vehicle Expert publishes practical UK vehicle guidance based on real-world mechanical knowledge and hands-on diagnostic experience. This P0113 guide is written to help drivers understand intake air temperature sensor and circuit faults before replacing parts unnecessarily.

Fault codes should always be treated as a starting point for diagnosis. If your car has severe rough running, stalling, smoke, strong fuel smell, misfire or major power loss, stop driving and get professional help.