Mercedes Sprinter Intake Air Temperature Sensor – Facet | T1N / NCV3 / VS30 OM642 & OM651 | #6511530028 (2002–2022)

A failed intake air temperature sensor on a Mercedes Sprinter sends the ECU incorrect data about the air charge entering the engine — causing it to miscalculate fuel delivery and timing, resulting in rough running, increased fuel consumption, and fault codes that won't clear until accurate sensor data is restored. This is the Facet intake air temperature sensor for Sprinter vans equipped with the OM612, OM647, OM642, and OM651 diesel engines, a direct replacement that restores accurate intake air temperature feedback and proper engine management.

What This Part Does

The intake air temperature sensor — also called an IAT or air charge temperature sensor — is mounted in the intake manifold and measures the temperature of the air entering the combustion chambers. The ECU uses this data alongside mass airflow, boost pressure, and coolant temperature readings to calculate the correct fuel injection quantity, injection timing, and boost management strategy for current conditions. Air density changes significantly with temperature — cold air is denser and requires more fuel, hot air is less dense and requires less — so accurate IAT data is essential for maintaining the correct air-to-fuel ratio across all operating conditions. When the sensor drifts, returns a fixed value, or fails completely, the ECU's fuel calculations become inaccurate, causing rough running, increased smoke, and reduced fuel economy.

Common Symptoms of a Failing Intake Air Temperature Sensor

• Rough idle or hesitation, particularly during cold starts or after the engine has soaked in heat
• Reduced fuel economy with no other identified cause
• Black smoke under acceleration from fuel-rich running caused by incorrect air temperature data
• Check engine light with fault codes related to intake air temperature sensor circuit or plausibility
• Hard starting in cold conditions when the ECU cannot correctly calculate cold-start fueling

When to Replace

Replace when the sensor is confirmed faulty by scan tool with active IAT fault codes, or when intake air temperature readings are implausible compared to actual ambient conditions. Also replace when the intake manifold is removed for EGR cleaning or other service, as the sensor is easily disturbed during that work.

Fitment

• 2002–2006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – OM612 / OM647 Diesel (T1N)
• 2007–2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – OM642 / OM651 Diesel (NCV3/W906)
• 2019–2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – OM642 / OM651 Diesel (VS30/W907)

✔ Does NOT fit VS30 Sprinters with the 2.0L OM654 engine ✔ Always verify engine code and VIN before ordering — sensor fitment varies by engine family

Part Numbers

• Mercedes OEM: 6511530028 / A6511530028 / 651-153-00-28
• Cross-reference: 6421532079
• Manufacturer: Facet — 10.4014
• SKU: 6511530028