Fuel and air code
P0113: Intake air temperature signal too high
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $70 | $250 |
| Labor: 0.5 to 0.8 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $63 | $140 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $130 | $410 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, mass airflow sensor replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The intake air temperature sensor tells the computer how hot or cold the air entering the engine is. This code means the sensor sent back a reading so far out of range that the air appears impossibly cold, which usually means a broken wire, a loose plug or a failed sensor.
- Safe to drive?
- Usually yes, for now
- Most common cause
- Failed intake air temperature sensor
Safe to drive; the engine will run on a backup value, with maybe slightly rough starts.
What you may notice
- Hard starting when cold
- Poor mileage
- Check-engine light on
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed intake air temperature sensor
- Unplugged or corroded connector
- Broken wire
- Dirty mass airflow sensor housing
- Computer input fault
Check this first
Look at the plug on the sensor near the air filter box or the airflow sensor. Make sure it is clicked in, clean and free of green corrosion, and check the wires leading to it for rubbing or cuts.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0113
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $60 to $290 |
| CAN bus wiring repair | $190 to $1,275 |
| ECU / engine control module replacement | $430 to $2,350 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0113 questions
Where is the sensor?
On many cars it is built into the mass airflow sensor, so the repair means replacing that part. On others it is a small separate sensor in the intake tube, and a shop can show you which style you have.
Does it hurt the engine?
Not on its own. The computer swaps in a default temperature, so the car usually runs close to normal, though mileage and cold starts may suffer a little. Fix it before an inspection, since the light stays on.
Is it expensive?
A stand-alone sensor is often inexpensive. If it comes built into the airflow sensor, the part can cost much more, so ask the shop which style your car uses before approving the work.
How much does it cost to fix P0113?
The most common fix, mass airflow sensor replacement, has a typical range of $130 to $410 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
P0113 repair cost by city
Related codes
- P0101: Air flow sensor reading seems off
- P0102: Air flow sensor signal too low
- P0117: Coolant temperature signal too low
More fuel and air codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.