Air Intake Sensor Replacement Cost and Maintenance

Air Intake Sensor: Replacement Cost and Maintenance

What is an air intake sensor? What are its functions? If you have such questions, we have much answers.

We've also mentioned the average cost of its replacement.

What is an Air Intake Sensor?

The air intake sensor or IAT sensor monitors the temperature of the air entering into your vehicle. By monitoring the temperature, it can keep tracks of Engine Control Unit (ECU) functioning such as calculations of air density and fuel efficiency.

This information then goes to PCM which stabilizes and regulates the air-fuel ratio to support an efficient combustion of the fuel. However, if the fuel and air mixture ratio is not correct, the vehicle will not perform up to the level, hence an increase in fuel intake.

Position of an air intake sensor You’re going to find the information about the sensor’s location from a service manual. The service manual comes with the vehicle when you buy it. Different models have different sensor positions. So, it’s better to check the manual for surety.

The air intake sensor is included in the mass airflow sensor aka MAF sensor.

Most often than not, the IAT sensor is usually installed on the left side of the intake manifold. It can sometimes be found on the throttle body at the right of the manifold.

Intake air temperature sensor cleaning Since the Air Temperature Sensor can’t be adjusted because of the sturdy position you can do two things.

You can either clean the sensor or just replace it with a new one. Before replacing the sensor, it’s sensible to clean it. Cleaning the sensor can make it work again without you spending a lot of money. What to use to clean the air temperature sensor? Use an electronic cleaner to clean the area.

Installing or replacing a new one If cleaning doesn’t help then you need to install/replace the sensor. And we are going to talk about how to replace it. Keep a pair of gloves and glasses for safety purposes.

1: Locate the IAT sensor in the air intake boot. The intake boot is normally found at the manifold or integrated with the MAF sensor.

2: Disconnect the anode (negative) terminal of the battery 3: Remove its electrical connector of the IAT sensor 4: Remove the sensor by tugging or unscrewing 5: Now install the new IAT sensor 6: The last step will be reconnecting the electrical connector and wires.

7. Now connect the battery terminal as the last process

How much does a replacement cost?

There’s no fixed way of telling about the replacement cost. The cost of Air intake sensor is likely to vary depending on the manufacturer, vehicle model brands and models. The average replacement cost of IAT sensor comes between $60 and $110. The servicing charge can take between $20 and $70, on average for most vehicles, you will have to pay a sum of $163 to $170, and again it depends on the vehicle.

Conclusion In the end, it’s your choice on what to do and how much to pay. If cleaning makes the sensor work then great! Consult a mechanic if a replacement is really necessary. If you are getting the sensor replaced by a mechanic, talk to him and see if the charges are negotiable or not.