Fuel and air

P011C — Charge Air / Intake Air Temperature Correlation, Bank 1

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P011C means

The engine computer compares the charge air temperature sensor, located after the turbo or intercooler, with the intake air temperature sensor. Under suitable conditions their readings should be close or change in step with each other. When the difference falls outside the expected range, the ECM sets P011C for bank 1 and turns on the check engine light.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Hard starting when cold
  • Rough running

Possible causes

  1. Failed intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
  2. Failed charge air temperature sensor
  3. Open or shorted wiring, corroded or damaged connectors
  4. Leaks or restrictions in the intercooler and intake plumbing
  5. Rarely, an ECM fault or software issue

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and freeze frame data, and note any boost pressure or air temperature codes
  2. With a fully cold engine, compare both sensor readings on a scan tool; they should nearly match
  3. Inspect connectors and wiring at both sensors for damage, moisture and corrosion
  4. Measure sensor resistance and compare to the spec for your vehicle
  5. Check reference voltage and ground at the sensor connectors
  6. Inspect hoses, clamps and the intercooler for oil residue, cracks and leaks, and pressure-test the boost system if needed
  7. Watch live data during warm-up and under load to spot a sensor that sticks or lags

Common fixes

  • Replace the intake air temperature sensor
  • Replace the charge air temperature sensor
  • Repair wiring or replace damaged connectors
  • Fix boost or intake leaks, replacing hoses or the intercooler as needed
  • Reflash or replace the ECM only after everything else is ruled out

Questions and answers

What does P011C mean?

The ECM sees that the charge air and intake air temperature sensors on bank 1 don't agree with each other. Most often one sensor or its wiring is at fault.

Can I drive with code P011C?

Briefly, yes, but power may be reduced. Have the sensors and boost system checked soon so the problem doesn't get worse.

How do I tell a bad sensor from an air leak?

Compare both readings on a cold engine: a big difference points to a sensor or wiring. If they match cold but diverge under load, check the intercooler and hoses for leaks.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.