What the hell is an air charge sensor ? autozone said im pulling a code for it and they have a replacement but i dont know what the hell it is and the truck is running fine so do i actually need to replace it ?

 

It is also called the AIT (Air Intake Temp.) sensor on our trucks. It monitors the obvious, the temperature of the air coming into the intake manifold. The PCM uses this sensor along with the coolant temperature sensor, MAP sensor, and the O2 sensors to determine the Air/Fuel ratio.

It sticks out the passenger side of the intake manifold right behind the alternator.

 

How essential is it ?

 

I think it is pretty essential. But before you replace it, I'd check the resistance of the sensor (per Haynes manual) and clean it. Reset computer and see if the code comes back.

 

What was the exact code number. I can look it up i my service manual if you want. 23 is the IAT.

 

I dont know the number, i was in the area when it came on and i had to stop by autozone to pick up a part i had order ealier this week so i just had them check it there. The light is off right now but has been poping on an off all day

 

If it is the IAT the book says that the check engine light should illuminate during operation if it gets a bad signal (voltage to high or low).

 

thinking it might be a voltage issue then, the wire's look fine. I will go check the voltage tonight when i get home

 

All the computer reads are the changes in voltage from the sensor. If the sensor is bad or going bad it would throw a code.