VOLVO
ECM-131D - Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. Signal too low
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
9 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), S80 (1999–2006), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (23)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2006–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008Engine B5254T3, B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2009–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2005–2006Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2008–2009Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2005–2006Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5254T2, B6294S2, B6294T only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2005Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2006–2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2005All engines except: D5244T
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2006Engine B5244T4, B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2007Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2005–2006Engine B5254T2, B6294T only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2007–2012Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2013–2014Engine B5254T9 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal from the intake air temperature sensor. The fault is set when the signal corresponds to a temperature below a set value, meaning the signal is too low. The cause can be poor contact, a break or a short in the signal wire, or a damaged sensor.
Possible causes
- Contact resistance in the connections
- Open circuit in the signal wire
- Signal wire shorted to voltage
- Damaged intake air temperature sensor
- Signal wire shorted to ground
What you can do
- 1Read the fault code, clear it and test drive to see whether it returns
- 2Check the intake air temperature sensor connector for contact resistance and oxidation; where the sensor is built into the boost pressure sensor, check that connector
- 3If you have a diagnostic tool: if the intake air temperature in live data becomes reasonable after cleaning the connector, poor contact was likely the cause
- 4Check the sensor wiring for breaks and chafing
- 5If the signal wire has been shorted to voltage, the sensor may have been damaged; check the wiring before replacing the sensor
- 6If no fault is found and the fault remains: have a workshop replace or check the sensor
Symptoms you may notice2
- Engine warning lamp comes on
- Reduced performance
What the fault can affect3
- The engine control uses a predefined intake air temperature value
- Catalyst warm-up is switched off
- The idle control diagnosis is switched off
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.