1993 Dodge Dakota LE, 5.2L Magnum, Auto Trans, RWD

My OBD1 is throwing a Code 23 as follows:
"Intake air temperature sensor input below/above the minimum/maximum acceptable voltage."

The other day I noticed the connector was disconnected from the IAT sensor. Only thing I can figure is it came off when a week or two prior I was poking around the engine compartment. I never noticed any performance issues...starting, power loss, nothing. I had to drive the thing a couple/few times with that thing disconnected. Anyhow, when I discovered it was disconnected, I simply reconnected it. No harm, no foul I guess.

I've driven it a few times since I reconnected it but I'm still throwing the Code 23. Does this code ever disappear? Should it disappear? Do I have to do something to make it disappear (like disconnecting the battery while I stand on my head)? Is it trying to tell me something? I'm no electronics expert by any stretch of the imagination but it seems that OBD1 should be happy by now, no?

Additionally, why didn't the engine start and run like crap with that IAT sensor disconnected?

Things that make you go, hmmmmm.

 

Coolant temp has a more profound effect on mixture. IAT will only influence it a very little bit.

Disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes should reset the code. Otherwise, its somewhere between 3 and 50 drive cycles for it to reset.

 

Stupid question: are the coolant temp sensor and IAT sensor the same sensor? Separate sensors but same part number?

 

I don't think so...... on my truck, they look substantially different on the 'sensor' end.

 

After another looksee, you’re right. The sensor end on the IAT is a cage surrounding the probe. No such thing on the coolant one. The rest of it is very similar.

I have another electrical question to spring on you HY. I wanna sniff it out just a little more before I ask though. It’s kinda peculiar (to me anyway).

Thanks for the help.

 

Ask away. I am rather a fan of peculiar.