Sebring Convertible V6-2.5L SOHC 24 Valve (1996)
Intake Air Temperature Sensor: Description and Operation
Intake Air Temperature Sensor Operation
Fig. 11 Intake Air Temperature Sensor And MAP Sensor
PURPOSE
The sensor supplies one of the inputs the PCM uses to determine injector pulse-width.
OPERATION
The intake air temperature sensor (IAT) is located in the intake manifold where it measures the temperature of the air that is about to enter the
combustion chambers.
The IAT is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor-type sensor (resistance varies inversely with temperature).
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This means at cold temperatures its resistance is high so the voltage signal will be high.
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At high temperatures, resistance decreases and the voltage will decrease.
This allows the sensor to provide an analog voltage signal to cavity 37 of the PCM connector.
The IAT sensor threads into the intake manifold Fig. 11.
CIRCUIT OPERATION
The intake air temperature sensor provides an input to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on circuit K21. The K21 circuit connects to cavity
37 of the PCM connector.
From circuit K21, the intake air temperature sensor draws voltage from the PCM. The sensor is a variable resistor. As intake air temperature
changes, the resistance in the sensor changes, causing a change in current draw.
The PCM provides a ground path for the intake air temperature sensor signal (circuit K21) through circuit K4. Circuit K4 connects to cavity 43 of
the PCM connector.
