Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake ): Description and Operation

INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE (IAT) SENSOR

This hot film type air flow sensor is composed of a hot film sensor, housing and metering duct (hybrid sensor element). Mass airflow rate is measured because the change of the mass air flow rate causes a change in the amount of heat being transferred from the hot film probe surface to the air flow. The air flow sensor generates a pulse so it repeatedly opens and closes between the 5 V voltage supplied from the powertrain control module.

The intake air temperature sensor (IAT Sensor), located in the intake air hose, is a resistor-based sensor for detecting the intake air temperature. The intake air temperature information from the sensor helps the PCM provide the necessary fuel injection.