What does P0112 mean?
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor tells the computer how warm the incoming air is. Cold air is denser and needs more fuel. On many cars the IAT is built into the MAF sensor.
Low voltage on a temperature sensor means the computer thinks it is very hot. This is nearly always a shorted sensor or wire.
Codes are a starting point. They tell you which test failed, not which part to replace. Check for other stored codes and fix those in a sensible order.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Slight drop in fuel economy
- Hard starting in extreme temperatures (sometimes)
Common causes
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Sensor shorted internally
- Water in the connector
How to diagnose P0112
- Look at live data: a shorted sensor will read an impossibly hot temperature.
- Unplug the sensor. The reading should jump to a very cold value (around -40 F). If it does, the sensor is shorted; if it does not, the wiring is shorted to ground.
- Check sensor resistance against the service spec at a known temperature.
- Compare IAT with coolant temperature after the car has sat overnight. They should be within a few degrees.
- Check sensor resistance against spec.
How to fix it
- Repair connector/wiring
- Replace the IAT sensor (or MAF assembly if it is integrated)
Estimated repair cost
Likely repairs for P0112 run from about $50 to $450, depending on the cause.
| Repair | Typical range (parts + labor) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee (scan + testing) | $100 - $200 |
| Intake air temperature sensor | $50 - $200 |
| Mass airflow sensor replacement | $150 - $450 |
These are rough US estimates for an independent shop in 2026, based on typical parts prices and standard labor times. Dealers, big trucks, luxury brands and high-cost areas often run higher. They are not quotes. Use the repair cost estimator to adjust for your vehicle.
How serious is P0112?
Low severity
Safe to drive in most cases.
P0112 FAQ
What does P0112 mean?
P0112 stands for "Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low (Bank 1)". The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor tells the computer how warm the incoming air is.
Can I drive with a P0112 code?
Safe to drive in most cases.
How much does it cost to fix P0112?
It depends on the cause. The likely repairs for P0112 range from about $50 to $450 at an independent shop in the US, plus a diagnostic fee of roughly $100-$200. These are rough estimates; dealer prices and some vehicles run higher.
What is the most common cause of P0112?
The most common causes are: signal wire shorted to ground; sensor shorted internally; water in the connector.