Where is the intake air temperature sensor installed?
2 Answers
The intake air temperature sensor is installed on the intake pipe or inside the air flow meter. The intake air temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. When the temperature rises, the resistance decreases, and when the temperature decreases, the resistance increases. As the resistance in the circuit changes, it causes a change in voltage, thereby generating different voltage signals to complete the automatic operation of the control system. Poor contact of the intake air temperature sensor ground wire will cause the data stream to display abnormally low temperature. Low-temperature air has high density, which will increase the fuel injection pulse width, resulting in an overly rich air-fuel mixture. If the sensor is short-circuited, the data stream will display abnormally high temperature. High-temperature air has low density, which will reduce the fuel injection pulse width, resulting in an overly lean air-fuel mixture.
In my years of driving experience, the intake air temperature sensor is commonly located in the engine's intake system, such as the intake manifold or intake piping, usually behind the air filter. This design is intended to accurately capture the temperature of the air entering the engine, helping the car's computer adjust fuel injection to ensure efficient combustion. If the placement is inaccurate—for example, near a heat source or obstructed—readings can become problematic, leading to increased fuel consumption or reduced power. I remember during a maintenance check last year, my car's sensor had accumulated dust at the manifold connection, causing severe engine shaking. The mechanic recommended regular cleaning since its compact size makes it prone to being tucked away in hard-to-reach spots. Installation details can vary slightly between brands, but the core principle is to position the sensor away from vibration and heat influences; otherwise, inaccurate readings could trigger a chain reaction of malfunctions. This is particularly crucial during long drives, as it affects the smoothness of the driving experience.
