Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

With Generic Scan Tool



Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor -G42-, Checking

Recommended special tools and equipment







- VAG1526A hand multimeter
- VAG1594A connector test kit
- VAG1598/31 test box

Test requirements:
- Fuses for engine electronics OK
- Ignition switched off.

Checking function
- Connect diagnostic tester.
- Start engine and let run at idle.
- In diagnostic function "33 - OBD", select "Mode 1: Checking measured values".
- Select the desired measuring value "PID 15: Intake air temperature".
- Specified value: approx. ambient temperature


NOTE: If a temperature is indicated which differs greatly from ambient temperature of sensor, check sensor and sensor wires for contact resistances and open circuit.


- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.

If indications do not resemble description:

Checking internal resistance







- Connect multimeter at sensor for resistance measurement.

Specified values

Temperature degree C Resistance k Ohm

-20 approx. 13.8
0 approx. 5.5
20 approx. 2.4
40 approx. 1.1
60 approx. 0.6

If specified values are not obtained:
- Replace Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor (item 17).

Checking wire connections
- Connect test box to wiring harness of Engine Control Module (ECM); ECM is not connected.







- Check the following wire connection for open circuit according to wiring diagram:

Harness connector Terminal Test box Socket
1 85
2 108

- Specified value: Wire resistance max 1.5 Ohm

- Also check wires for short circuit to each other as well as to B+ and Ground (GND).
- Specified value: Infinite Ohm (no continuity)

- If necessary, repair wire connection.

If no malfunctions are found in wires:
- Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor -G70-, see -item 25-.

Final procedures
After repair work, the following work steps must be performed in the mentioned sequence:
1 - Check DTC memory, see "Mode 3: Check DTC memory".
2 - If necessary, erase DTC memory, see "Mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data".
3 - Generate readiness code. With Generic Scan Tool

- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.