Engine check light

The engine check lamp is illuminating in my 2002 Kia Rio 1.3, with the code ‘P0113’ recorded. The description I have for this is ‘Intake air temperature sensor A circuit high’. If I delete the code, it comes back up as a pending code and then eventually the check engine lamp will come on again.

I fitted a new air filter and intake sensor, but it still recorded the same fault code. I then checked the input voltage to the sensor, which I found to be 12V. I’m not sure if this is the correct value as I can’t find any specific information for the vehicle. I did think the input voltage should be lower. I also suspected there be a fault with the ECU. I sent the unit off to ECU Testing, but it isn’t a unit that they can test.

The Kia drives OK, but I wonder if using it without solving the problem could cause damage. I have checked around the wiring loom for damage or corrosion, but couldn’t find anything. I am not really sure what to do next.

Autodata has listed one known problem, which concerns a poor connection to the throttle position sensor. The remedy is to remove and clean the multi-plug to the throttle position sensor and then refit it.

As the code ‘P0113’ refers to the air intake temperature sensor input, the most likely cause is either a poor earth on the air intake sensor or a faulty sensor. As you have already replaced the sensor, I would inspect the condition of the earth wire. The actual definition of the code given by Kia is ‘Open or short to battery between IATS signal and ECM, Open between IATS ground and ECM or Faulty IATS’. The Kia literature also says the voltage from terminal 11 of the ECM should feed the IATS 1-4V and terminal 1 which is the ground should read below 1V. If your ECM is feeding 12 volts to the IATS then this does imply that the ECM is faulty.