Charge Air Temperature Sensor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover, 2017 Land Rover Range Rover, and 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The charge air temperature sensor is located in the charge air duct connection with the electric throttle. The sensor is used to measure the intake air temperature from the turbocharger in order to calculate the required amount of fueling.

The charge air temperature sensor incorporates a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor in a voltage divider circuit. The sensor receives a 5 V reference voltage from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The resistance of the NTC thermistor decreases as temperature increases. So a low intake air temperature produces a high resistance value, and a high temperature produces a low resistance value. The PCM uses the voltage output to help in determining air/fuel mixture, spark timing and idle control.

For additional information, refer to: INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION AND FILTERING

If the charge air temperature sensor fails the PCM uses a default charge air temperature of -5°C (23°F).

In the event of a charge air temperature sensor failure, any of the following symptoms may be observed:

Over fueling, resulting in black smoke emitting from the exhaust
Poor performance
Hard starting
Idle speed control inoperative.