OBD-II reference

All 9.533 generic OBD-II codes, explained in detail.

Causes, inspection steps and sources — a comprehensive DIY archive. Created and maintained with love for the detail. Good luck and have fun!

Powertrain generic / SAE

P011B

Engine Coolant Temperature/Intake Air Temperature Correlation

ECT and IAT readings disagree at long soak (engine off for hours) when both should match ambient. The intake air temperature sensor feeds the ECM's density calculation — a drifted reading miscalculates fuel mass and pushes mixture lean (cold reading) or rich (hot reading).

SystemPowertrain
Typegeneric / SAE
GroupP0
Range / number1 / 1B

Possible causes

  • One sensor drifted high

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Cooling fan runs constantly or not at all
  • Cabin heater weak or excessively hot
  • Possible long warm-up time or hard cold start

Inspection / repair

  • Difficulty: easy
  • DIY: possible
  • Estimated cost: 40–250 €
  • Estimated time: 0.3–1.5 h
  • Component: ect sensor
  • Component: iat sensor
  • MIL / check engine light
  • emissions-relevant
  • drive cycle required

Sources

References

How to read OBD-II codes

The first letter names the vehicle system, the second digit distinguishes generic from manufacturer-specific, the remaining digits group fault area and number.

PPowertrain: engine, transmission, emissions
BBody: chassis trim, comfort, interior
CChassis: suspension, brakes, steering
UNetwork: CAN, control modules, communication