Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) IAT sensor (cleaned )

[JHerrlich]

I ordered that part number at my local Cummins shop and they showed me that their computer said it has been superceded by another part number. The only problem was that the new part number was the same as the one for the coolant temperature sensor and the keyed electrical connector won't fit (tried it out of curiosity). The shop is calling Cummins to figure it out. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[Alan Reagan]

It may be the same sensor. We discussed the location and he assured me this was the right sensor. It's too rich for my blood anyway. That's why I got it from the dealer. It's half Cummins' price.

 

[JHerrlich]

Cummins is charging me 28 dollars and my local Dodge dealer wants more than that. I took my IAT out and compared it to the new one. Definately different. Take the one out of your coolant system and it's the same one. The shop called Cummins and they said it would work. I think it's a disparity between Dodge and Cummins. Cummins probably changed the sensor and Dodge didn't want to change the connector on the wiring harness. At least that's what I figure.

 

[ARARAR]

IAT sensor

I'm just getting ready to leave for Texas and have been getting everything ready. I haven't had, or least don't think I've had, any problems and got courious about the AIT sensor and decided to check it. Like someone else posted, mine was so loose I removed it with my fingers. It wasn't too dirty but I cleaned and reinstalled it. Now I only have to see If It's made any difference.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I cleaned one on a 99 Monday night and the sensor looked nice and clean. It was not installed very tight but I did notice something when I pulled it out. The thermistor was hard against the protective housing. That would probably make the sensor read the temp of the housing, not the air which would cause it to indicate hotter and colder air temps for longer periods. The thermistor has a very fast reaction to temp changes but can only indicate a resistance change when there is a temp change at the thermistor. I used a small screw driver to ease the thermistor off the housing and center it where it should be.

 

[John]

Oh Well

I ran a full tank of fuel through my Ram since I changed my IAT sensor and experienced absolutely NO change in mileage.

 

[Alan Reagan]

That means that your sensor wasn't dirty. If you go back to the first part of this thread, I told Marco that I didn't think I would alter my mileage. I changed my sensor and mileage increased about . 7 mpg. The only way you'll know is to pull the sensor out and make the measurements. If your readings are close to Marco's or mine, your sensor is good. If not, you may want to change it. My sensor was off a couple of thousand ohms around 130*F which is the around the normal operating temperature.

 

[bow hunter]

Just wanted people to know what a easy tune up for our diesel, if the sensor is dirty

 

[Joe Mc]

Usually get 15.5 or so city.

Will clean old take readings and report mileage next fill up. Sorry no gauges yet.

 

[dresslered]

What about the MAP sensor?

If the IAT sensor has been showing such improvements, why wouldn't the MAP sensor be just important? Pressure plays just as an important role as temperature when the ECM is calculating volume. In fact, I would think that a pressure sensor is more prone to being damaged than a solid state thermistor--especially for you "Over Boost" guys.

 

[Chad Sheets]

What exactly does IAT measure? Its not boost, Is it the air temp? Is it the amount of oxygen present? I'm having a hard time understanding exactly what this sensor is in control of, and how it is in control it, and how all this plays out... simple minds need simple explanations

 

[24V-DSL]

Marco started this....

Chad...



Marco started with a post 5-18 in this forum.



check this out: http://smokindiesel.com/technical.htm



Hope I did this right.

 

[Joe Mc]

Wasn't dirty at all

After seeing this post pop up I just had to check mine. Pretty easy to get off - layed a comforter on the fender/rad support - layed up on it and w/3/8" extension, 13/16" plug socket it was out.



It was only a little tan, I could even see the probe was blue w/a yellow tip! Kind of reminded me of the old "blue tip" matches. At frist I though the dealer must have installed a new one before I bought it (10,000 +/- miles back) but upoin closer inspoection the bronze/brass base had black paint on it and the dealre definitly didn't waste any money detailing under the hood. So I cleaned it anyway. Not sure if it helped or not, cause I changed the oil, removed silencer ring and snorkel at the same tim The engine does seem to run cooler and have a bit better throttle response and less smoke. Not that it really smoke that much under WOT to begin with. Not sure of MPG increase or not yet and w/o gauges cant see EGT's.



Just wanted to share.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I found one a couple of weeks ago that I was cleaning up for a friend and the thermistor (the blue thing with the yellow dot) was touching the protective case. I carefully pushed it away. That and tightening his intake manifold yielded 1. 5 mpg on the first tank of fuel. Plus he's claiming more seat of the pants power. It can make a difference.

 

[bow hunter]

Good job TDR glad to see an article on this subject (I A T SENSOR CLEANED) to get helpfull info out to all the members.

 

[bow hunter]

Hey new guys for a qwik tune up if your truck has some miles on her clean your IAT sensor.

 

[Mr. C]

Cleaned mine Sunday, it was nasty I was hoping it was the reason my cold start high idle aint workin':{ Rats!!

 

[Alan Reagan]

Chad, I see it's been a while since someone answered your post. It measures intake air temperature.

 

[Diesel Freak]

TTT

just thought I would send this one back to the top.

 

[WestTN]

IAT sensor...

I just finished reading this entire thread and have decided to check my IAT sometime soon. I have an all stock truck except for Jacobs E-brake which I use ALL the time to save the brake pads. I'll post the condition of my sensor when I find out. I do have an observation though. If your truck is smoking noticeably, then you have an emissions problem and the dealer is obligated to repair it free of charge for whatever time these trucks are required by Uncle Sam to meet clean air standards. Of course, if you have made modifications, you can expect to pay.



Just my opinion; yours may differ...