P0097
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low Bank 1
The computer thinks the incoming air is much hotter than it really is because the intake air temperature sensor 2 signal is too low. This usually happens when the sensor is shorted, the wiring is damaged, or the connector has a fault. On some vehicles, this sensor is separate from the main MAF or IAT sensor, and its exact location varies by platform.
- SEV
- 3/5
- DRIVE
- CAUTION
- DIY
- $10-$150
- SHOP
- $100-$400
Quick answer
AI-CITATION READYWhat it means
Can you drive with it?
Most common causes
- Faulty intake air temperature sensor 2
- Short to ground, damaged wiring, or poor connector contact in the IAT sensor 2 circuit
- Corroded, oil-soaked, or water-damaged connector terminals
Typical repair cost
DIY usually runs $10-$150. Typical shop repair lands around $100-$400, depending on the root cause.
01 / Definition
P0097 sets when the PCM detects an intake air temperature sensor 2 signal voltage that is lower than the expected range for too long on bank 1. On most systems, a low input means low voltage from the sensor circuit, which usually points to a short to ground, internal sensor fault, or damaged wiring. Sensor 2 naming varies by vehicle, so the affected intake air temperature input may be in a separate sensor, charge-air sensor, or integrated assembly depending on the design.
02 / Drive status
With caution. You can usually drive short distances, but fueling, drivability, and emissions can be affected. Fix it soon before it turns into rich running, poor mileage, or harder starting.
03 / Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Poor fuel economy
- Hesitation during acceleration
- Reduced engine performance
- Hard starting in some cases
- Rich-running condition
04 / Causes
| 1 | Faulty intake air temperature sensor 2 | high |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Short to ground, damaged wiring, or poor connector contact in the IAT sensor 2 circuit | high |
| 3 | Corroded, oil-soaked, or water-damaged connector terminals | high |
| 4 | Faulty MAF or integrated sensor assembly if the sensor is built into another component | medium |
| 5 | PCM reference-voltage or input problem | low |
05 / Diagnostic sequence
- 01Scan for stored codes and check for related IAT, MAF, MAP, or fuel-trim faults.
- 02Inspect the intake air temperature sensor 2 connector for looseness, corrosion, bent pins, oil contamination, or water intrusion.
- 03Check the wiring harness for damage, rubbing, broken insulation, or a short to ground.
- 04Compare intake air temperature data on a scan tool to ambient temperature with a cold engine.
- 05Measure sensor resistance and compare it to the manufacturer specification at the current temperature.
- 06Check the reference voltage, ground, and signal circuit integrity at the sensor connector.
- 07If sensor 2 is integrated into another assembly, inspect and test the related MAF or charge-air sensor unit.
- 08Repair the fault, clear the code, and road test to confirm proper sensor readings.
06 / Repairs
| 1 | Repair shorted or damaged wiring and clean or tighten the sensor connector terminals | $10-$120 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Replace the intake air temperature sensor 2 if it fails testing | $15-$100 |
| 3 | Replace the related sensor assembly if IAT sensor 2 is integrated and the unit is faulty | $80-$250 |
| 4 | Repair reference-voltage, ground, or PCM input faults if the sensor and wiring test good | $50-$300 |
07 / Related codes
08 / FAQ
What does low input mean on P0097?
It means the PCM is seeing a lower-than-expected voltage from intake air temperature sensor 2, which usually makes the computer think the air is hotter than it really is.
Is P0097 always a bad sensor?
No. Shorted wiring, connector corrosion, and integrated sensor assembly faults are also common causes.
Where is intake air temperature sensor 2 located?
Its location varies by vehicle. It may be separate in the intake tract, part of a charge-air sensor, or integrated into another sensor assembly.
09 / Source and method
- DATA BASIS
- OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
- METHOD
- STATIC VALIDATION
- SAFETY
- INFORMATIONAL
This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.
Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.
Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.