P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
Intake Air Temperature High Input
P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu indicates intake air temperature high input. It usually stays drivable short-term but should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is disconnected or unlatched iat / maf-iat connector (typically $0–$50). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0113 mean on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
P0113 is set when the ECM sees the intake air temperature sensor signal voltage above the calibrated maximum — typically a reading that would represent an unrealistically cold air temperature (often below −40 °F / −40 °C). This is the textbook fingerprint of an open circuit at the IAT sensor: a disconnected sensor, a broken signal wire, or a failed sensor element.
This guide covers P0113 across the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Malibu generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2015 through 2019.
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu with P0113?
In most cases a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu stays drivable for short trips with P0113 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a low-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.
What are the symptoms of P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Check Engine Light is illuminated
- Slightly harder cold starting in some cases
- Mild reduction in fuel economy
- Reduced power under hard acceleration (engine adds extra fuel for "cold" air)
- Often no noticeable drivability problem at all
What causes P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnected or unlatched IAT / MAF-IAT connector | Most common | $0–$50 |
| Open circuit in the IAT signal wire (broken, chafed, or pinched) | Common | $80–$350 |
| Failed IAT sensor element (open internally) | Common | $30–$150 |
| Corroded sensor connector pins | Common | $30–$200 |
| Damaged sensor body from intake backfire | Occasional | $30–$200 |
| Failed PCM input (extremely rare) | Rare | $400–$1,500 |
How to diagnose this on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
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Confirm where the IAT sensor lives on this engine
Modern engines fall into two configurations: a standalone IAT sensor in the air intake tract, or a combined MAF/IAT assembly where the IAT element is built into the mass airflow housing. Both share P0113 — the diagnostic difference is where to find the connector and which wires carry the IAT signal.
Tools: Vehicle-specific service information
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Read IAT temperature on the scan tool
A working IAT reads close to ambient air temperature when the engine has been off long enough to cool. Compare to the coolant temperature reading at cold start — they should agree within a few degrees. An IAT reading of "−40 °F" or "−40 °C" is the classic open-circuit fingerprint.
Tools: Scan tool with IAT PID
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Inspect the connector and wiring
Unplug the IAT connector and inspect for corrosion, water, or bent pins. With the connector unplugged and the key on, the scan tool should still report a fixed "very cold" value — that confirms an open circuit signature is what set the code.
Tools: Electrical contact cleaner, Flashlight
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Bench-test the IAT sensor with a multimeter
With the sensor removed, measure resistance across its terminals at room temperature. Compare to the service manual — most NTC IAT sensors read 2.0–4.5 kΩ at 68 °F (20 °C). Infinite resistance means the sensor is open and dead. Heating the sensor gently should cause resistance to drop.
Tools: Multimeter, Heat gun or hair dryer (optional), Service spec sheet
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Jumper test the signal wire
With the IAT disconnected, briefly jumper the signal wire to ground and observe the scan tool reading — it should swing from "very cold" to "very hot" (P0112 territory). If the reading does not change, the wiring or PCM input is at fault rather than the sensor.
Tools: Jumper wire, Scan tool
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Chevrolet Malibu diagnostics.
- ENGINE 253
- POWER TRAIN 141
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 136
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 169
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 148
4 active recalls
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION Jun 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult pa…
NHTSA campaign 18V400000 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP May 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from…
NHTSA campaign 18V358000 - AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW Dec 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.…
NHTSA campaign 16V870000 - SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS Aug 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.…
NHTSA campaign 21V649000
How do I fix P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Reconnect the IAT or MAF-IAT connector
- Replace the IAT sensor (standalone) or the MAF/IAT assembly
- Repair broken IAT signal wire
- Clean corroded sensor connector pins
About the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2015-2019 Chevrolet Malibu was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 1.5L Turbo I4, 2.0L Turbo I4, 2.5L I4, 1.8L Hybrid I4. Common trims include L, LS, RS, LT, Premier.
P0113 vs P0112
These are the two ends of the same circuit:
- P0112 — IAT signal reads too low (sensor sees a very high temperature, often “300 °F”). Usually a shorted-to-ground signal wire or a sensor failed in the closed direction.
- P0113 — IAT signal reads too high (sensor sees a very low temperature, often “−40 °F”). Usually an open circuit — disconnected, broken wire, or sensor open internally.
Why P0113 rarely affects drivability
Modern ECMs use the IAT for relatively minor fuel-trim corrections and to fine-tune cold-start enrichment. With a missing IAT signal, the ECM uses a default value (usually around 70 °F) and the engine runs essentially normally. This is why many drivers report P0113 with no symptoms at all beyond the Check Engine Light.
Combined MAF/IAT assemblies
On most modern vehicles the IAT is integrated into the MAF housing as a single assembly. When the IAT element fails, the entire MAF assembly must be replaced — there is no separate IAT to service. Confirm the part number before ordering; combined assemblies are 4–10× the cost of a standalone IAT.
P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0113 mean on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
P0113 is set when the ECM sees the intake air temperature sensor signal voltage above the calibrated maximum — typically a reading that would represent an unrealistically cold air temperature (often below −40 °F / −40 °C). This is the textbook fingerprint of an open circuit at the IAT sensor: a disconnected sensor, a broken signal wire, or a failed sensor element.
What are the symptoms of P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Slightly harder cold starting in some cases. Mild reduction in fuel economy. Reduced power under hard acceleration (engine adds extra fuel for "cold" air). Often no noticeable drivability problem at all
What causes P0113 on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
Disconnected or unlatched IAT / MAF-IAT connector (most-common). Open circuit in the IAT signal wire (broken, chafed, or pinched) (common). Failed IAT sensor element (open internally) (common). Corroded sensor connector pins (common). Damaged sensor body from intake backfire (occasional). Failed PCM input (extremely rare) (rare)
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu with P0113?
In most cases a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu stays drivable for short trips with P0113 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a low-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.