P0110 — Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Circuit Malfunction
Drive with caution — fix soon.
What P0110 means
This code means the engine computer detected a problem with the intake air temperature sensor circuit, which measures how warm or cold the air entering your engine is. The most common fixes are replacing a faulty IAT sensor or repairing damaged wiring or a loose connector. It's a fairly common code and is usually inexpensive to fix without any major engine work.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Slightly rough idle or hesitation
- Reduced fuel economy
- Hard starting, especially in cold weather
- Occasional black smoke from the exhaust
Common causes
- Faulty intake air temperature sensor
- Damaged or corroded wiring in the sensor circuit
- Loose or unplugged sensor connector
- Open or short circuit in the wiring harness
- Failing engine control module (rare)
Typical repair cost
$80 – $250
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0110 code?
Yes, in most cases you can keep driving for a while since this is a sensor circuit issue, not a mechanical breakdown. You may notice slightly worse fuel economy or a rougher idle, but it's safe for short trips. Just get it diagnosed soon to keep the engine running its best.
How much does it cost to fix a P0110?
Most repairs run between $80 and $250. If it's just a wiring or connector fix, it can be on the lower end, while replacing the IAT sensor itself adds parts cost. A shop will usually confirm the cause before charging for parts.
Is a P0110 code serious?
It's generally considered low to moderate in seriousness because it affects a sensor rather than a core engine part. Left alone, it can hurt fuel economy and engine smoothness over time. It's worth fixing soon but it's not an emergency.
Where is the intake air temperature sensor located?
It's usually found in the air intake tube or built into the mass airflow (MAF) sensor near the air filter box. Its job is to tell the computer how warm the incoming air is so fuel can be adjusted correctly. A quick inspection of this area often reveals a loose connector or damaged wire.