P0112 code meaning
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0112 means
Intake air temperature sensor 1 is the first air temperature sensor in the intake path; depending on the vehicle it is built into the mass air flow sensor, mounted near the air filter or, on some naturally aspirated GM engines, fitted in the intake manifold. Most versions are NTC thermistors in a 5 V divider: the hotter the air, the lower the signal voltage. P0112 means the signal is below its valid range. With an NTC sensor that points to a short to ground in the signal wire or an internally shorted sensor, and the control module would read an implausibly hot value (GM about 150 °C). Documented limits: Ford gasoline below 0.244 V for 5 s, Ford diesel below 0.10 V, GM below 62 ohms. The circuit is monitored continuously; GM needs two trips. Some systems then use the coolant temperature, capped at 40 °C, as a substitute and limit torque.
P0112 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0112
- Check engine light on
- Usually hardly noticeable
- Retarded ignition, reduced power or torque limit on some systems
- Harder cold start possible
Common causes of P0112
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground (chafed insulation)
- Most likelySensor shorted internally
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the connector
- Less likelyEngine control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Intake air temperature sensorIntake air temperature sensor wiringMass air flow sensor
What each part of P0112 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 12 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0112 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0112
What does P0112 mean?
P0112 means "Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Bank 1". Intake air temperature sensor 1 is the first air temperature sensor in the intake path; depending on the vehicle it is built into the mass air flow sensor, mounted near the air filter or, on some naturally aspirated GM engines, fitted in the intake manifold. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0112?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0112 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0112 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0112 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0112 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0112 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.