Hey SC guys with an aftercooler. Has anyone relocated the IAT sensor between the aftercooler and the TB on an 08?

The reason I ask is because I'm getting a CEL for the IAT Circuit High something something, and I replaced the IAT sensor, tried to clear the CEL via FlashPro Manager, but the CEL comes back on about 2-3 seconds later. I asked Sean Church and he advised that it's probably an issue with the wiring and that it might be best to just rewire from the ECU to the IAT sensor. If that is the case, I'm thinking that this is the opportunity to move the IAT sensor to the ideal spot.

If anyone has done this, and has pics, please share.

Thanks!

 

Moving mine tomorrow.... Finally. Will report back.

I'm an 04 AP2 btw.

 

I don't understand why you'll get the CEL with the IAT in your stock location. What system do you have and where is it currently installed?

Here's my IAT relocation.

 

whats the advantage of moving the sensor?

 

The CEL is caused (possibly) by an issue with wiring, not the location of the sensor. The IAT sensor is on the plastic intake tube between the air filter and the blower inlet. It's Vortech V3 set up that I have.


The advantage would be to get a more accurate temp reading of the air going through the throttle body into the intake manifold. As it is now, the sensor is reading the air temp right before the blower. Ideally, it would be better to get the temp of the air coming out of aftercooler and into the throttle body.

 

Can air temperature vary that much in such a short distance? Even if flowing at say, 7-10psi?

I ask bc my SOS TS kit has an AEM AIT sensor about 8-10" away from the TB. But how effective is it really?
Do you think it just reads a tad cooler, so the ecu doesn't pull timing at part throttle?

 

It's hard to say how much of difference there is until I actually have the sensor moved and working. Hoping someone else who has experience with it will chime in.

For me, as it is now, the IAT sensor was reading 3*-10* higher (when it was working and the car is moving) than ambient temp with the sensor located between the air filter and blower. I can imagine there is a big difference in air temp when the blower moves hot air to the aftercooler, then the aftercooler moves cooler air through the TB.

Another benefit of having the sensor located between the aftercooler and the TB, is that you will know if the aftercooler is doing it's job or not.

I assume your SOS TS is the turbo kit right? If you have the IAT sensor between the intercooler and the TB, then I think you have it in the right location. My guess is that your sensor being 8-10" away from the TB probably doenst make any difference, but I'm guessing so dont take my word for it. What temps are you seeing BTW?

 

I relocated mine and I have no idea why I've waited so long to do it.
Relocate it for sure, especially if you are an unlucky guy with it in the intake manifold. I was that guy. My idle/traffic temps would be 145-165f and as I would go Wide Open Throttle they would drop down to 120-130f.

Outside temps:
70F

Heavy Heat-Soak at Idle and stationary for 30+ minutes:
AIT Sensor in Manifold:155f - 165f
AIT Sensor in Aftercooler: 95f - 110f

Heavy Heat-Soak in Stop&Go Traffic:
AIT Sensor in Manifold: 145 - 160f
AIT Sensor in Aftercooler: 90f - 100f

65mph Cruise:
AIT Sensor in Manifold: 120f - 135f
AIT Sensor in Aftercooler: 85f - 92f

*******************
20MPH - 100MPH WOT on-ramp pull = 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear pull all the way to 8200RPM:
AIT Sensor in Manifold:
145f - 135f - 130f - 127F and stationary, then starts to creep up through the 5th gear.
As you go partial throttle and RPMs drop, throttle plate closes, Intake temps skyrocket to 145f-155f as AIT sensor is being heat-soaked. As you go partial throttle temps level out again at a steady and toasty 135f-145f

AIT Sensor in Aftercooler:
90f - 110f - 120f - 127F and stationary, then start to creep up through the 5th gear.
As you go partial throttle and RPMs drop, blower charge starts to cool and temps slowly drop back to 90f



Verdict? Well, WOT peak rpm temps didn't change (Obviously). Nothing is actually running cooler, it's just that the sensor is no longer heat-soaked. The car is more responsive under partial throttle. Stop and go driving is improved. Also, if you have AIT readout you can watch temps climb with boost and then decrease just as they should be.

Or you can keep this sensor in the intake manifold and watch your ECU go full retard and pull timing as it has no idea wtf is going on and why in the world air temps are liquid lava hot.

Two for relocating my sensor from Manifold to just before the TB on the After-cooler.

 

Wow, those are significant differences right? Can you post up some pics of how/where you have the IAT sensor installed? You installed it right on the aftercooler unit?

 

Sure. I'll get back to you guys with pictures.