AI-powered OBD-II fault code diagnostic tool for UK drivers
P0113

P0113 Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input

P0113 indicates intake air temperature circuit high input. The exact repair depends on whether the underlying issue is a sensor fault, wiring problem, mechanical wear, or a related system problem on the vehicle being diagnosed.

Last reviewed 14 June 2026 AI-Diagnostics-Pro Editorial Team

This guide is reviewed against current UK fault-code usage patterns, MOT guidance, and indicative repair-cost context. It is educational guidance for P0113, not a substitute for live data, workshop testing, or a final quote.

Editorial policy UK MOT guide DVSA MOT inspection manual
UK Repair Cost
£20–£150
MOT Risk
May affect MOT — get it checked
Safe to Drive?
Yes — usually safe to drive but the engine may run slightly rich affecting fuel economy.

At a glance: P0113 for UK drivers

Fault family
Airflow, throttle and idle control
Best first check
Inspect the MAF/IAT connector for corrosion or poor pin contact.
Typical garage risk
The common mistake is ordering the wrong component because some cars use a standalone IAT and others bury it inside the MAF assembly.

How to use this page

This page explains the code in plain English and gives indicative UK repair and MOT context. It does not confirm the exact failed part. Vehicle age, engine, related codes, live data, and workshop inspection can all change the final diagnosis and quote.

What does fault code P0113 mean?

P0113: intake air temp sensor reading too high, can cause rich running. Check wiring and connector before buying parts (£20-£150). When this fault is detected, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) stores the code and usually illuminates the check engine light on the dashboard.

In practice, P0113 should be treated as a airflow, throttle and idle control problem first, not as proof that one named part has failed. The value of the code is in narrowing the system, checking related data, and avoiding the usual misdiagnosis before parts are ordered.

Symptoms of fault code P0113

These are the most common symptoms UK drivers report when this code is active:

  • Check engine light on
  • Engine running slightly rich
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Possible hard starting in cold weather

Note that some vehicles show no drivability symptoms at all — the check engine light may be the only sign. This is why scanning the fault code is essential rather than guessing at the cause.

What causes P0113?

These are typical causes to check first:

  1. Faulty intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
  2. Damaged or corroded IAT sensor wiring
  3. IAT sensor exposed to engine heat (heat soak)

It is important to diagnose the root cause before replacing parts. Many unnecessary and expensive repairs happen because the most expensive component is replaced first without proper testing. Always work through the diagnostic steps systematically.

How to fix P0113 — step by step

Work through these steps in order to avoid unnecessary parts replacement:

  1. Inspect the IAT sensor connector and wiring for corrosion or damage
  2. Test sensor resistance with a multimeter — compare to manufacturer spec at ambient temperature
  3. Replace the IAT sensor — inexpensive part usually under £20

After any repair, clear the fault code with an OBD-II scanner and carry out a test drive. If the code returns, continue to the next diagnostic step. For a personalised repair guide specific to your vehicle's make, model, year and engine, use our AI Diagnostic Report below.

UK vehicles commonly affected by P0113

These are examples of UK-market cars where garages frequently see this code:

  • Ford Focus and Fiesta petrol models
  • Volkswagen Golf and Polo petrol models
  • BMW 1 and 3 Series petrol models
  • Vauxhall Astra petrol models

This code can appear on OBD-II compatible vehicles. OBD-II is standard on most UK petrol cars from 2001 and diesel cars from 2004, with many later-1990s vehicles also compatible. The models listed above are examples where owners and garages often encounter this fault, but they are not an exhaustive or ranked list.

DIY difficulty and cost guide

Difficulty: Easy — sensor is usually accessible and inexpensive.

UK repair cost estimate: £20–£150 including parts and labour at average UK workshop rates (inc. VAT). Independent garages are typically 30–50% cheaper than main dealers. Always get at least two quotes.

Prevention: Include sensor inspection in routine servicing.

Detailed analysis for P0113

What usually triggers P0113 on UK cars

Intake air temperature high-input faults usually mean the ECU sees an open circuit or implausibly cold temperature value. On many cars the IAT is built into the MAF, so wiring and connector health matter as much as the sensor element itself.

Checks that save money before replacing parts

  1. Inspect the MAF/IAT connector for corrosion or poor pin contact.
  2. Check whether the reported intake temperature is stuck at an extreme value.
  3. Confirm whether the IAT sensor is separate or integrated into the MAF before buying parts.

Common misdiagnosis to avoid

The common mistake is ordering the wrong component because some cars use a standalone IAT and others bury it inside the MAF assembly.

Questions to ask your garage about P0113

  • Is the IAT sensor separate or part of the MAF on this engine?
  • What intake temperature is the ECU actually seeing?
  • Was the wiring continuity checked before quoting a sensor?

P0113 and the UK MOT test

Fault code P0113 does not directly cause an MOT failure on its own, but it can still cause a failure if it keeps the check engine light (MIL) on where MIL inspection applies, or affects emissions.

Even if the light is not currently on, if the fault is intermittent it could reappear during the test. Use our AI Diagnostic Report to understand the MOT risk specific to your vehicle and get advice on whether it is safe to proceed to your test.

Sources and references

This guide is informed by the following authoritative UK sources:

Repair cost estimates are based on UK labour rates and parts pricing from AA, RAC and independent garage surveys, reviewed quarterly. All content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mechanical diagnosis.

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Frequently asked questions about P0113

What does P0113 mean in plain English?

P0113 is an airflow, throttle and idle control fault code. In practice, P0113 should be treated as a airflow, throttle and idle control problem first, not as proof that one named part has failed. The code helps narrow the system, check related data, and avoid misdiagnosis before parts are ordered.

Will P0113 fail an MOT?

P0113 does not automatically fail an MOT on its own, but the underlying fault can still cause a failure if it affects safety, warning lights, or emissions.

Can I keep driving with P0113?

Yes — usually safe to drive but the engine may run slightly rich affecting fuel economy.

How much does it usually cost to fix P0113 in the UK?

Typical UK repair costs for P0113 range from £20–£150, depending on the underlying fault, your exact vehicle, and local labour rates.

Does P0113 mean the intake air temperature sensor is always faulty?

No. P0113 often means the ECU is seeing an open circuit or implausible cold reading, which can be caused by wiring, a loose connector, or an integrated MAF/IAT issue.

What should be checked before replacing the IAT sensor for P0113?

Confirm whether the IAT is built into the MAF, inspect the connector, and check the live intake temperature reading before ordering parts.

Related guides for P0113

Use these supporting pages to compare likely repair paths, warning-light behaviour, MOT risk, and the questions to ask before approving work.

Will an engine management light fail MOT?

Related and nearby OBD2 codes

Compare P0113 with closely related faults, nearby codes in the same family, and adjacent module or sensor faults that often need to be ruled out during diagnosis.

P0101
MAF Sensor Out of Range — Clean or Replace?
P0102
Mass Air Flow Circuit Low Input
P0171
System Too Lean — Vacuum Leak or Fuel Deliver…
P0116
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Perf…
P0117
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input
P0103
Mass Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0115
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunctio…
P0118
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input
P0120
Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0121
Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Range/Perfor…
P0128
Thermostat Stuck Open — Engine Won't Warm Up …
P0130
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 1

Last updated: August 2026. AI-Diagnostics-Pro provides AI-generated information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional automotive advice. Always consult a qualified mechanic before carrying out vehicle repairs. Repair cost estimates are approximate and may vary by region and vehicle.