| Fig. 1: The IAT sensor tip is visible when looking into
the MAF sensor
|
The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor determines the air temperature entering the intake manifold. Resistance changes in response to the ambient air temperature. The sensor has a negative temperature coefficient. As the temperature of the sensor rises the resistance across the sensor decreases. This provides a signal to the PCM indicating the temperature of the incoming air charge. This sensor helps the PCM to determine spark timing and air/fuel ratio. Information from this sensor is added to the pressure sensor information to calculate the air mass being sent to the cylinders. The IAT receives a 5-volt reference signal and the signal return is based upon the change in the measured resistance due to temperature.
