P0127 means Intake Air Temperature Too High. The intake air is hotter than the computer allows, most often on turbocharged engines where the charge air leaves the intercooler too hot. It is a generic OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on any make, but the most likely cause varies by engine; confirm with a scan tool and the service information for your vehicle before buying parts.
What P0127 means
Most engine sensors receive a 5-volt reference and return a signal between roughly 0 and 5 volts. Codes ending in circuit high or circuit low usually point to an electrical fault: an open circuit, a short or an unplugged connector. Range/performance codes mean a signal is present but disagrees with what the computer expects from the other sensors, which more often points to a dirty sensor, an air leak or a mechanical problem.
P0127 symptoms
- Reduced power
- Check engine light
- Problem worse when towing or in hot weather
Common causes of P0127
- Intercooler blocked by debris or damaged
- Intercooler boot or pipe leak
- Failed intake air temperature sensor
- Heavy load in high temperatures
How to diagnose P0127
- Inspect and clean the intercooler fins
- Check intercooler pipes and boots for leaks
- Compare the intake temperature reading with ambient on a cold engine
Can you drive with P0127?
Yes, gently; reduce load until the cause is found.
P0127 tips
On turbo diesels, packed debris in the intercooler fins is a common cause; clean them carefully without bending the fins.
Will P0127 clear itself?
If the fault stops, the computer turns off the check engine light by itself after several drive cycles without seeing it again, and the code stays in memory as history for a while. Clearing P0127 with a scan tool after a repair is fine, but if the cause is still there the code returns, sometimes within one drive. Disconnecting the battery also clears codes on most vehicles, but it erases learned fuel trims and idle settings as well.
Related codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P0110 | Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0113 | Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High |
| P0234 | Turbocharger/Supercharger A Overboost Condition |
Guides that help
When it is more than a sensor
Sensor codes are usually fixed with a sensor, a connector, wiring or a leak repair rather than major parts. If testing turns up internal engine trouble instead, see how to tell if an engine is blown and compare engines by code on our engines page.
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