Grand Prix V6-204 3.4L DOHC (1992)
Manifold Air Temperature (MAT) Sensor: Description and Operation
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
PURPOSE
Air at low temperatures requires a richer air/fuel mixture than air at high temperatures. The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor measures the
temperature of the intake air in the air cleaner. The control unit uses this information, compared with information from other sensors, to help determine
to the amount of fuel required.
OPERATION
The Intake Air Temperature sensor (IAT) is a thermistor mounted in the air cleaner assembly. Low intake air temperature produces a high resistance,
while high intake air temperature produces a low resistance. The ECM supplies a 5.0 volt signal to the sensor through a resistor, and monitors the
voltage in the circuit. The measured voltage varies with the temperature of the intake air, due to the changing resistance of the sensor. By measuring the
voltage, the ECM can determine the temperature of the incoming air.
