Trouble P0110 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor - Circuit Malfunction

Error P0110 - Intake air temp sensor

Error code P0110 occurs when there is a general problem in the intake manifold air temperature sensor circuit. During diagnostics, it stands for “Intake air temperature sensor malfunction” (IAT), and in the English version it is called Intake air temp-sensor circuit malfunction. Unlike similar errors: P0111 (DTVV failure), P0112 (low signal level from the sensor) and P0113 (high level), error P0110 does not indicate specific reasons for the occurrence, since it can be either a simple open circuit or short circuit, or and sensor failure. There are three ways to solve the problem : cleaning the sensor, checking the contact wires to it, and replacing it.

The sensor is installed on or behind the air filter box. However, its execution may vary. In some cases it has its own body. In others, it is part of the mass air flow sensor.

Causes of error P0110

The most common causes of the P0110 code are:

• Abnormal (compared to the value specified in the manufacturer's specifications) voltage in the intake air temperature sensor circuit
• Intake air temperature sensor malfunction
• Damage to the electrical wires or the IAT sensor connector, or the electrical wires or sensor itself being too close to higher voltage components (such as the alternator, ignition wires, etc.), which could cause interference affecting the signal sent to the ECM car
• Worn or damaged internal components of the intake air temperature sensor
• The intake air temperature sensor is not functioning properly, causing the sensor to send incorrect signals to the vehicle's ECM, which in turn cannot synchronize the operation of the intake air temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, manifold air pressure sensor, and mass air flow sensor, which is necessary for proper engine operation
• Low fuel pressure or damage to internal engine components (such as a burnt valve). In rare cases, the problem may be a faulty engine control module (ECM)

Causes of P0110

Depending on the year, make, and model, the P0110 trouble code can have several causes. Here are some of the most common ones.

• Faulty IAT sensor. Like all solid-state components, the sensor may no longer function properly due to manufacturing defects or damage.
• Sensor contamination. If the IAT sensor is dirty, such as from a poorly installed air filter or excessive crankcase ventilation (PCV), it may fail or not respond quickly enough to temperature changes.
• Incorrect installation. The IAT sensor must be completely in the engine intake air flow. If the sensor comes into contact with a metal surface, such as one installed in the intake manifold, this may cause it to break or become unresponsive to temperature changes.
• Wiring fault. This could be damage to the wiring harness or connector.

Diagnosing the P0110 trouble code is not particularly difficult. The sensor itself is easy to operate, making it easy to check. On the other hand, if you need to trace an open or short in a wiring harness, it will take time and patience.

Depending on the year of manufacture and model of the car, the cost of the sensor may be low. But if it is part of the MAF sensor, it will significantly increase the price.

How does a mechanic diagnose a P0110 code?

First, the mechanic will connect the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic port and read all the stored data and error codes. He will then clear the error codes from the computer's memory and test drive the vehicle to see if the P0110 code appears again. If the error code appears again, the mechanic will check the voltage at the intake air temperature sensor using a digital multimeter. The voltage is usually 5 V. If the voltage is abnormal, the problem is most likely a faulty intake air temperature sensor. The mechanic will also check the electrical wires and sensor connector for looseness or damage.

P0110 - Intake air temperature sensor error

Error P0110 - Intake air temp sensor

Error code P0110 occurs when there is a general problem in the intake manifold air temperature sensor circuit. When diagnosed, it reads “Intake air temperature sensor malfunction” (IAT), the English version is written like this - Intake air temp-sensor circuit malfunction. Unlike similar errors: p0111 (DTVV fails), p0112 (low command level from the sensor) and p0113 (high level), error p0110 does not indicate specific reasons for the appearance, since it may be a simple interruption, or a closed circuit , the sensor may have failed. There are three ways out of this problem - clean the sensor, check the wiring contacts to it, or replace it.

The sensor is located on the air filter box or behind it. But its structure is different. Sometimes it comes with the housing, and sometimes it is part of the mass air flow sensor measuring device.

Appearance and location of the DTVV

How does P0110 occur?

To understand the conditions for the occurrence of an error, let us examine in detail the process of operation of the inlet temperature sensor and its functional features. Its main mission is to control the degrees of air being launched. The sensor operates on the basis of a thermistor built into its frame, which changes its electrical resistance depending on the degrees of air mass at the inlet.

If the above degrees are lowered, the resistance will increase. When they increase, the resistance indicator will fall. The electrical signals that will be received in this case will be sent to the ECM, in other words, the Electronic Control Module. Based on this information, the electronics will decide to increase or decrease the level of injection of the fuel mixture at a cooled or hot temperature of the air that surrounds the car.

How will the car behave if there is an error?

Error p0110 does not have any effect on the vehicle's performance in the summer. It turns out that the engine will operate as usual, but in winter it will take more time to warm up. A certain indicator on the car’s instrument panel will tell you about the error. Moreover, in order to identify the exact code, you need to use a certain diagnostic device.

There is a high probability that in severe cold weather the car will become much more difficult to start, and the engine speed will jump faster. This indicates an insufficient supply of fuel mixture. Because if error p0110 is present, the ECM will go into emergency operation mode. Moreover, the processor will by default take the degrees of air taken in as plus 20 degrees (Celsius). In other words, it will exclude true information from the IAT (air mass temperature measuring device). Good work will only become possible when the breakdown is eliminated. By the way, there are a lot of them.

Probable causes of the error and methods for eliminating them

A dirty IAT sensor is one of the popular causes of incorrect activity. To fix this problem, you need to take out the device (on many cars it is very easy to get it, since it is located at the top and is attached to 1-4 bolts) and wash it with a certain cleaning liquid (gasoline, diesel fuel, alcohol, cleaner, etc.). Then we install it in the same place where it was. To clean the sensor you need to use a brush.

You need to work carefully so as not to break the contacts that are located on the outside. Otherwise the sensor will be damaged.

A faulty sensor is another reason why error P0110 appears. This rarely happens, since the device is designed in the simplest way and nothing will break there, but the assumption needs to be checked. Let's try to install a similar sensor on our car, or install our own sensor on another car. When a part is broken, it needs to be replaced. This item usually costs between 30-60 dollars. It all depends on the brand of the specific sensor and the car.

It is not difficult to check the serviceability of the sensor. Here you just need to make sure whether there is an output voltage coming from it. This indicator should be 5 Volts. On our website, you can also find out additional information on diagnosing the TVV sensor.

A break or breakdown of contact with the sensor is in many ways the main reason why error p0110 appears. In other words, there is a simple breakdown of the signal wiring coming from the sensor to it. To eliminate the cause, you need to check the integrity of the contact group (“ring” it) and find a bad contact.

A short circuit or break can be found using a diagnostic device. When, when turned on, it produces degrees minus 40 (Celsius) or even lower, this indicates a break in the signal chain. When the degree reading is from plus 140 (Celsius) or more, there is a short circuit in the chain.

How serious is the P0110 code?

The P0110 code is quite serious because it can cause problems with the engine. Under certain circumstances, damage or failure of the intake air temperature sensor can lead to increased fuel consumption, unstable engine operation, decreased engine power, and engine starting problems. If the problem is left unaddressed for a long time, it can cause damage to other components of the car. If this code is detected, it is recommended that you contact a qualified technician as soon as possible to diagnose and resolve the error.

Often, if the Check Engine Light comes on immediately after starting the engine, the OBD-II system can be reset and the vehicle will continue to operate normally.

Vehicle behavior when an error occurs

Error P0110 does not in any way affect the behavior of the car in the warm season. Consequently, the engine operates in normal mode, but in the cold season it will take longer to warm it up. The error will be indicated to you by the corresponding indicator on the car’s dashboard. In this case, to identify the exact code, you must use a special diagnostic tool.

How to determine the P0110 error code

There is a high probability that in severe frost the car will have difficulty starting, and the engine speed will fluctuate greatly. This is due to insufficient fuel supply. After all, with error P0110, the ECM goes into emergency mode . In this case, the processor takes the intake air temperature as +20°C by default. That is, it excludes objective information from the IAT (air temperature sensor). Normal operation will only be possible if the faults are corrected. And there can be many of them.

What repairs can fix the P0110 code?

• Check for the error code using a scan tool, clear the code from your computer's memory, and test drive the vehicle to see if the P0110 code appears again.
• If the error code appears again, reconnect, repair, or replace the electrical wires or intake air temperature sensor connector
• If the electrical wires or sensor connector are OK, replace the Intake Air Temperature Sensor or Engine Control Module (ECM).

Symptoms of malfunction

The main driver symptom of P0110 is the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) illumination. It is also called Check engine or simply “check light”.

They can also appear as:

1. The “Check engine” warning light on the control panel will light up (the code will be stored in the ECM memory as a malfunction).
2. The vehicle engine may become unstable under load or acceleration.
3. The engine runs on a fuel mixture that is too lean or too rich depending on the outside temperature.
4. But more often, no symptoms are felt.

On which cars is this problem most common?

The problem with code P0110 can occur on different machines, but there are always statistics on which brands this error occurs more often. Here is a list of some of them:

• BMW
• Chevrolet (Chevrolet Captiva)
• Chrysler
• Citroen (Citroen Jumper)
• Daewoo (Daewoo Matiz)
• Fiat (Fiat Doblo)
• Ford (Ford Connect, Transit, Focus)
• Hyundai (Hyundai Porter, Starex, Terracan)
• Kia (Kia Spectra)
• Lexus (Lexus rx300)
• Mazda
• Mercedes (Mercedes Vito, Sprinter, w210, w220)
• Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi Airtrek, Colt, Lancer)
• Nissan (Nissan Almera, Bluebird, Pathfinder, Sunny, Skyline, Cefiro, PickUp, 300ZX)
• Opel (Opel Astra, Vectra, Zafira, Meriva)
• Peugeot (Peugeot 206, Boxer)
• Renault (Renault Logan, Master)
• Saab
• Suzuki (Suzuki Alto, Liana)
• Toyota (Toyota Avensis, Vista, Camry, Land Cruiser, Mark 2, Rav4, Solara, Tacoma)

With fault code P0110, you can sometimes encounter other errors. The most common are: P0095, P0096, P0097, P0098, P0099, P0100, P0105, P0111, P0112, P0113, P0114, P0115, P0120, P0127, P0136, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P030 4, P0305, P0306, P0355 , P1115, P1192, P1405, P1410, P1460, P1630.

Common errors when diagnosing code P0110

The most common mistake when diagnosing a P0110 is to rush to replace the intake air temperature sensor or engine control module (ECM) without performing a thorough check. It is also a mistake to neglect to check the output voltage of the sensor.

Before replacing the intake air temperature sensor or engine control module (ECM), you need to make sure that the problem is indeed with these components.