P1115

IAT Sensor (D/C) Open/Short

Powertrain Fuel and Air Metering Air Intake Temperature 🟡 Moderate — Fix within a week ⚠️ Drive with Care
💬

What This Actually Means

In plain language — no jargon

Your intake air temperature sensor has an electrical break or short circuit, like a frayed wire preventing proper signal. The engine computer can't read how hot the incoming air is, so it can't adjust fuel mixture correctly.

Symptoms You May Notice

3 known symptoms for this code
Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated
Rich or lean fuel mixture, rough idle
Reduced fuel economy, possible black smoke from exhaust
🔬

How Your ECU Detects This

Technical sensor logic and voltage thresholds

The ECU monitors resistance changes from the IAT sensor as intake air temperature varies. The sensor uses a thermistor that changes resistance based on temperature; the ECU converts this to a voltage signal. An open or short circuit breaks this signal pathway entirely.

Voltage & Parameter Thresholds

ParameterNormal RangeFault Condition
IAT Sensor Voltage 0.5–4.5 V (varies with temperature) Below 0.1 V or above 4.9 V (open/short detected)
Signal Continuity Continuous valid resistance change No signal or constant maximum/minimum resistance
🔧

Diagnostic & DIY Fix Guide

Check these in order — from cheapest to most complex
1
IAT Sensor Connector
Inspect connector pins for corrosion, moisture, or loose fit; clean with electrical contact cleaner.
2
IAT Sensor Wiring Harness
Check wiring for cracks, cuts, or pinches between sensor and ECU; repair insulation or replace segment if damaged.
3
IAT Sensor
Replace the sensor itself if connector and wiring test good; typically located in intake manifold or air intake tube.
⚠️

When to See a Professional Mechanic

Not all fault codes are safe to DIY

Code P1115 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.

Safety note: OBD-II codes identify the system or circuit where a fault was detected — they do not always identify the exact failed component. A professional mechanic using live sensor data will diagnose the root cause more accurately than replacing parts based on the code alone.
🔄

How to Clear Code P1115

What happens after you fix the fault

Once the fault is repaired, P1115 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.

The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.

✅ Safe to Clear When
  • Fault has been diagnosed and repaired
  • You want to confirm the repair worked
  • Code appeared after a sensor was cleaned
⚠️ Do Not Clear When
  • Preparing for an emissions/PUC test
  • Root cause is still undiagnosed
  • Check engine light is flashing
Emissions test note: Clearing codes resets OBD readiness monitors. Most vehicles need 50–100 km of mixed driving before monitors complete. Do not clear codes immediately before an emissions or PUC inspection.