OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)

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).

Is it safe to drive with P011B?

Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.

Common causes

  • Most likelyOne sensor drifted

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

Repair at a glance

Difficulty
Easy
DIY friendly
Often, with basic tools
Typical labour
0.3–1.5 h
Emissions test
Likely to fail
After the fix
A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
Parts involved
Ect Sensor, Iat Sensor

Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.