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timkoch81

VW Amarok IAT Sensor Fix: Common Repair Solutions

Having issues with my 2020 VW Amarok that might be related to the intake air temperature sensor. The engine check light is on, power output is notably lower than normal, and the engine runs rough. I pulled the error codes which confirm there is an IAT sensor related issue stored in memory. Before heading to the shop, I would like to hear from others who had similar temperature sensor problems. What was the actual fix in your case? How long did the repair take and what parts needed replacement? Also interested in knowing if anyone tried cleaning the temperature sensor first and whether that helped.

4 comment(s)

felixsky46

I had a similar issue with my 2018 VW Tiguan with the 2.0 TSI engine. As someone with moderate experience working on VWs, I first tried cleaning the IAT sensor, but that provided only temporary improvement. The car diagnostics showed the same symptoms you described, engine light, reduced power, and rough running. The diagnostic tool confirmed an IAT sensor fault code. After attempting the cleaning, I decided to have it properly fixed at a workshop. The complete repair included: New IAT sensor installation, Diagnostic system reset, Basic settings adjustment Total cost was 155€ and the work took about 1.5 hours. Since the repair, the engine performance returned to normal and the air temperature readings have been accurate. Before suggesting specific solutions, it would help to know: Which engine variant is in your Amarok? Have you noticed if the issues get worse during particular weather conditions? What specific error codes are you getting? How many miles/kilometers on the vehicle? This information would help determine if your case is similar to what I experienced with my car sensor issue.

timkoch81 (Author)

Last service was performed at 72000km and I am getting similar readings from my diagnostic tool showing the intake air temperature sensor fault. Thanks for sharing your experience. The specific fault code I am getting is P0113, which points to the air sensor circuit being high. The issues do seem more pronounced during cold starts, especially in humid conditions. My engine is the 2.0L TSI variant. Since the initial post, I did attempt cleaning the temperature sensor, but like in your case, it only helped temporarily. The engine check light came back after about 2 days of driving. Given the similar symptoms and the failed cleaning attempt, I am leaning towards a complete sensor replacement.

felixsky46

Thanks for the additional details. Based on the fault code P0113 and the symptoms you described, this is nearly identical to what I experienced with my Tiguan. The temporary improvement after cleaning was exactly the same pattern, worked for a few days before the issues returned. Since we have the same 2.0 TSI engine and similar diagnostic readings, I can confirm that replacing the IAT sensor is likely the right call. The high circuit reading from your car diagnostics matches my situation perfectly, and the cold start issues are a classic sign of a failing air sensor. For reference, the actual repair process on my car was straightforward: 1. IAT sensor replacement 2. Diagnostic tool reset 3. Short test drive to confirm proper readings I would recommend going ahead with the replacement rather than trying more temporary fixes. The intake air temperature readings are crucial for proper fuel mixture, and a faulty sensor will continue causing reduced power and rough running issues. One tip from my experience: make sure the workshop completes a full diagnostic system reset after installation. This ensures all adaptive values are properly relearned by the engine management system.

timkoch81 (Author)

Thanks for confirming the details about your similar experience. I pulled my car diagnostic tool again today and the fault code P0113 is still present along with the same symptoms. The intake air temperature sensor clearly needs replacement rather than just cleaning, given how our situations match up almost exactly. Based on your repair experience, the 1.5-hour job and 155€ cost seems reasonable. Since we both have the 2.0 TSI engine and encountered the same air sensor issues, including the temporary fix from cleaning, I will schedule the replacement this week. Good point about requesting a full system reset after installation. I will make sure to ask the workshop to perform all three steps you mentioned, sensor replacement, diagnostic reset, and test drive verification. This should resolve the rough running and power issues I have been experiencing with the temperature reading problems. Again, appreciate the detailed response about your repair process. This gives me confidence in moving forward with the fix rather than attempting more temporary solutions.

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