Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake ): Description and Operation

Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor

Typical Stand-Alone/Non-Integrated Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensors:

Typical Integrated Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Incorporated Into A Drop-in Or Flange-type MAF Sensor:

The IAT sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases, and the resistance increases as the temperature decreases. The varying resistance affects the voltage drop across the sensor terminals and provides electrical signals to the PCM corresponding to temperature.

Thermistor-type sensors are considered passive sensors. A passive sensor is connected to a voltage divider network so that varying the resistance of the passive sensor causes a variation in total current flow. Voltage that is dropped across a fixed resistor in a series with the sensor resistor determines the voltage signal at the PCM. This voltage signal is equal to the reference voltage minus the voltage drop across the fixed resistor.

The IAT provides air temperature information to the PCM. The PCM uses the air temperature information as a correction factor in the calculation of fuel, spark, and air flow.

The IAT sensor provides a quicker temperature change response time than the ECT or CHT sensor.

Currently there are 2 design types of IAT sensors used, a stand-alone/non-integrated type and a integrated type. Both types function the same, however the integrated type is incorporated into the mass air flow (MAF) sensor instead of being a stand alone sensor.

Supercharged vehicles use 2 IAT sensors. Both sensors are thermistor type devices and operate as described above. One is located before the supercharger at the air cleaner for standard OBD/cold weather input, while a second sensor (IAT2) is located after the supercharger in the intake manifold. The IAT2 sensor located after the supercharger provides air temperature information to the PCM to control spark and to help determine charge air cooler (CAC) efficiency.

Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor

Diagram Of Air Flow Through Throttle Body Contacting MAF Sensor Hot And Cold Wire (and IAT Sensor Wire Where Applicable) Terminals:

Typical Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor:

Typical Drop-in Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor:

The MAF sensor uses a hot wire sensing element to measure the amount of air entering the engine. Air passing over the hot wire causes it to cool. This hot wire is maintained at 200°C (392°F) above the ambient temperature as measured by a constant cold wire. The current required to maintain the temperature of the hot wire is proportional to the mass air flow. The MAF sensor then outputs an analog voltage signal to the PCM proportional to the intake air mass. The PCM calculates the required fuel injector pulse width in order to provide the desired air/fuel ratio. This input is also used in determining transmission electronic pressure control (EPC), shift and torque converter clutch scheduling.

The MAF sensor is located between the air cleaner and the throttle body or inside the air cleaner assembly. Most MAF sensors have integrated bypass technology with an integrated intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The hot wire electronic sensing element must be replaced as an assembly. Replacing only the element may change the air flow calibration.