Code Definition

P1160 — Intake AIr Temperature sensor short to ground

System: Powertrain  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Volkswagen

About P1160

P1160 is a manufacturer-specific powertrain diagnostic trouble code recorded for Volkswagen vehicles. It belongs to the P-prefix family of codes, which covers engine, transmission, emissions, or fuel-system faults.

When P1160 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit; and a sensor-related fault — the reported value from the named sensor is out of spec.

Scanning & clearing: A generic OBD-II scan tool will usually read and clear powertrain (P) codes. For live data, freeze-frame capture, and bi-directional tests you may need a more capable scan tool that supports the vehicle's ECM protocol.

P1160 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, either mounted in the intake tract or integrated into the mass airflow sensor housing, and the Engine Control Module (ECM) feeds it a 5V reference through a fixed internal pull up resistor. As the intake air warms, the resistance of the sensor falls and the voltage on the signal wire drops, allowing the ECM to calculate air density for fuelling, ignition timing and boost control. DTC P1160 is set when the ECM sees the IAT signal voltage pulled down to near 0V, which corresponds to an implausibly high inta...

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