I've been to 3 major auto parts chain stores today looking for an IAT and the only thing they can seem to come up with is an air charge temp sensor which doesn't look very similar to my IAT. While it is a two pin connector and looks like it would plug into the pigtail, the rest of it looks completely different. NAPA had one in their system immediately, although I didn't get to look at it since they wanted 60 bucks for it and had to have it shipped. Is the air charge sensor just a rebranded aftermarket part? Advence auto was able to cross reference the part number from my IAT and the air charge sensor was indeed what came up but I don't wanna pony up the dough for something that isn't going to work. Anybody have any experience with this? I've searched all over this board and found no conclusive answers.

 

Is it this?
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/g...tail-p-62.html

 

www.rockauto.com

They have just about everything, and usually for much less than a local parts house even with shipping. I buy from them all the time.

 

Ask for a TBI/TPI CTS
The IAT/MAT sensor is the same $14 unit as the coolant temp sensor (CTS )
See
http://tpiparts.net/inc/sdetail/10956/498
http://tpiparts.net/inc/sdetail/10956/497

I suspect the charge air sensor you are being shown is the later type for LT1/LSX engines that goes into the ducting to measure IAT from the airflow
not fitted into the intake as on TPI/TBI engines

 

So you're saying I can just use a coolant temp sensor?? Because that was about half the price of the one they cross referenced. Never heard of that before but I guess if it measures resistance the same way than it would be the same...

Edit: Pffft, just confirmed it looking up parts on other sites. thanks, buddy I would have never guessed that!

 

You could have done that by checking the 2 links I went to the trouble of putting up for you

 

I did first, I just wanted to make sure it was the same at my local parts store, I have them ordering the part I mentioned earlier ITT that looks like the factory one but they want like 30 bucks for it, the coolant temp sensor is only 15. I just like to be thorough, you guys obviously know more about these cars than I do at this point but I didn't want to just blindly follow advice. Thanks again though, you just saved me almost 20 bucks and a possible headache

 

CTS sensors may plug in and work, but they react more slowly to changes in temp. Remember they are designed for full immersion in liquid. They have a full metal shell around the sensor element. A true IAT sensor is "open" around the top and, therefore reacts more quickly.

Plus, if memory serves me from my prior TBI cars, the IAT sensor is attached to the base of the air cleaner housing in a TBI application (not in the manifold like a TPI). A CTS won't attach to that location like the factory sensor did.

BTW- welcome, neighbor! Just down I-95 from you a few miles in the Aston/Garnet Valley area. If you get stuck on anything feel free to drop a PM and we'll get in touch. I've got a small crew of friends in the area with experience on a lot of different types of cars, including 3rd gens (my personal strong suit).

 

Yes its the same. I just got one from advance auto parts. Works great. Looked nothing like my old one.


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I wouldn't advise using the CTS/air charge sensor they sell. I brought my DMM in the store and had them hit both with a heat gun and measured the resistance. CTS was MUCH slower to respond then the one they cross referenced for me. I paid ten bucks more but I now have the correct part. I still get some slight stumbling engine when it's cold but it idles and runs much better and no more MIL.