OBD codes / P0112
P0112
MinorIntake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit Low
P0112 is low-urgency — only a minor effect on running and not a safety concern. Fix it at your convenience; it will still fail an emissions test while the light is on. Clean the connector and check the wiring before buying a sensor.
What this code means
The intake-air-temperature (IAT) sensor tells the computer how warm the incoming air is, which fine-tunes fueling and timing. P0112 means that signal is reading low — which the computer interprets as impossibly hot air (or a wire shorted to ground). It's the mirror of P0113. Usually it's a failed sensor, a wire shorted to ground, or a corroded connector. On many cars the IAT is built into the MAF sensor. It has only a minor effect on how the car runs.
Symptoms you might notice
- Check-engine light, often with no noticeable change
- Slightly rough running or hesitation in some cases
- Minor drop in fuel economy
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $30–$350 · about ~0.2–1 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| IAT sensor (standalone) | $15–$60 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
| MAF assembly (when IAT is integrated) | $80–$300 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
| Wiring / connector repair | $10–$120 | ~0.5–1 hrs |
A standalone IAT sensor is cheap; the cost only jumps if the IAT is built into the MAF and the whole assembly is replaced. Often it's just a corroded connector — clean and check that first.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0112 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Can I drive with P0112?
Yes — it's one of the lower-urgency codes with only a minor effect on drivability. The car runs fine; just fix it before an emissions test and to clear the light.
What does "circuit low" mean for P0112?
The sensor's voltage is at the low end, which the computer reads as extremely hot or shorted-to-ground air. That points to a failed sensor or a short rather than a real temperature.
Is P0112 the same as P0113?
Same sensor, opposite reading: P0112 reads too low (interpreted as hot/shorted), P0113 reads too high (interpreted as cold/open). Both are usually a sensor, connector, or wiring fix.
How much does it cost to fix P0112?
Often inexpensive — a standalone IAT sensor or a connector cleaning is cheap. The cost only rises if the sensor is integrated into the MAF and the whole unit is replaced.
Seeing P0112 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0112 for my vehicleGeneric OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.