With Generic Scan Tool
Checking Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor
Recommended special tools and equipment
- VAG1526 multimeter or VAG1715 multimeter
- VAG1594 connector test kit
- Wiring diagram
- Chilling spray (commercially available)
Test requirements
- The respective fuses of Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220- must be OK.
- Parking brake must be engaged or else daylight driving lights will be switched on.
- For vehicles with automatic transmission, selector lever must be in position -P- or -N-.
Function test
- Connect diagnostic tester. Diagnostic Tester, Connecting
- Switch ignition on.
- Under address word 33, select "Diagnostic mode 1: Checking measured values."
- Select the measuring value "PID 15: Intake air temperature".
- Check specified value of intake air temperature:
If specified value is not obtained:
- Continue test according to the following table:
Indicated1) Cause
approx. -40 degrees C Open circuit or short circuit to B+
approx. 143 degrees C Short circuit to Ground (GND)
1) If a temperature is indicated which is below the ambient temperature of sensor, first check sensor wires for contact resistance. Note that while the vehicle is standing still the sensor might warm up due to radiant heat.
If specified value is obtained:
- Remove Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42-. Re-connect connector.
- Remember the intake air temperature value.
- Spray the sensor with commercially available chilling spray while observing the temperature value. The temperature must decrease.
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
If the intake air temperature does not drop:
- Replace Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42-:
- Vehicles with engine code AWD, item 28.
- Vehicles with engine code AWP, AWV, item 26.
- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes
Continuation of test if indication is approx. - 40 degrees C:
- Disconnect connector -1- from Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42- -2-.
- Bridge terminals 1 + 2 of connector using the respective adapter cables while observing the indication on display.
If indication jumps to approx. 143 degrees C:
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Replace Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42-:
- Vehicles with engine code AWD item 28.
- Vehicles with engine code AWP, AWV, item 26.
- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes
If indication remains at approx. -40 degrees C:
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.
Continuation of test if indication is approx. 143 degees C:
- Disconnect connector -1- from Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42- -2-.
If indication jumps to approx. -40 degrees C:
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Replace Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42-:
Vehicles with engine code AWD, item 28.
Vehicles with engine code AWP, AWV, item 26.
- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes
If indication remains at approx. 143 degrees C:
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.
Checking wiring
- Connect test box to control module wiring harness, connect test box for wiring test.
- Disconnect connector -1- from Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42- -2-.
- Check wires between test box and 2-pin connector -1- for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
Terminal 1 + socket 85
Terminal 2 + socket 108
Wire resistance: max. 1.5 ohms
- Also check wires for short circuit to each other, to vehicle Ground (GND) and to B+.
Specified value: Infinite Ohms
If no malfunctions are found in wire:
- Measure resistance at Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42-.
- Range A displays resistance values for the temperature range of 0...50 degrees C, range B displays resistance values for the temperature range of 50...100 degrees C.
Read-out examples:
- 30 degrees C is in range A and corresponds to a resistance of 1.5 to 2.0 k ohms
- 80 degrees C is in range B and corresponds to a resistance of 275 to 375 ohms
If specified value is not obtained:
- Replace Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42-:
- Vehicles with engine code AWD, item 28.
- Vehicles with engine code AWP, AWV, item 26.
- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes
If no malfunctions are detected in the wires and the resistance values are OK:
- Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-.