CUMMINS 3918461 OEM INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE (IAT) SENSOR – 5.9L 12-VALVE (1991.5–1997)

Product Description

Keep your first/second-gen 5.9L running the way Cummins intended with the CUMMINS 3918461 OEM INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE (IAT) SENSOR. This genuine sensor threads into the intake horn/plenum plate on 1991.5–1997 Dodge/Ram 5.9L 12-valve trucks and reports intake air temperature so the control system can manage cold-start, fueling, timing, and grid-heater strategy correctly.

A drifting or failed IAT sensor can cause hard starts, excessive smoke, lazy throttle response, and incorrect fueling in changing weather. Replacing it with a factory Cummins 3918461 IAT sensor restores accurate intake temp data so your 5.9L B-series can idle clean, light quickly in the cold, and deliver consistent power under load.

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Key Features & Benefits

• Genuine Cummins 3918461 intake air temperature (IAT) sensor – not an aftermarket copy.
• Direct-fit for the intake horn/plenum plate on 5.9L 12-valve Cummins trucks.
• Restores correct intake air temp data for proper cold-start, fueling, and grid-heater control.
• Helps reduce cold-start haze and excessive smoke when the original sensor has drifted.
• Built to Cummins’ OE durability standards for heat, vibration, and oil mist exposure.

Fitment

This genuine Cummins IAT sensor is engineered for B-series 5.9 applications and is the OE unit on the following Dodge/Ram trucks:

• 1991.5–1993 Dodge D/W 250 & 350 – 5.9L 12V Cummins (intercooled VE-pump)
• 1994–1997 Dodge/Ram 2500 – 5.9L 12V Cummins (P7100)
• 1994–1997 Dodge/Ram 3500 – 5.9L 12V Cummins (P7100)

Location: Threaded into the intake horn/plenum plate on the passenger side of the engine bay.
Quantity: 1 sensor per engine.
Always confirm by VIN or engine serial number (ESN) on non-automotive B-series engines.

What This Sensor Affects

• Cold-start fueling and grid-heater on-time.
• Injection timing and smoke control under changing air temperatures.
• Overall drivability, idle quality, and throttle response in hot/cold weather.

When To Replace Your IAT Sensor

• Hard cold starts or extended cranking in cool weather.
• Excessive white/gray smoke and rough idle on cold start.
• Intake air temperature readings that are obviously incorrect on a scan tool/monitor.
• Age-related failures on high-mileage 5.9L trucks (original sensor still in place).

Cross-Reference (ID Only)

• Cummins: 3918461 (intake air temperature sensor)
• Common description: IAT sensor, charge air temp sensor, intake temp sensor

Cross-reference information is provided for identification only. Always match the sensor by part number, connector, and location before ordering.

Related Genuine Cummins & Sensor Components

Round out your 12-valve sensor refresh with other genuine Cummins parts from CPP Diesel:

• CUMMINS 3920363 OEM COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR – 5.9L 12V (1992–1997)
• CUMMINS 3920364 OEM COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR – RAM 5.9L 12-VALVE (1998)
• CUMMINS 3923129 OEM CRANKSHAFT POSITION / ENGINE SPEED SENSOR – 5.9L 12-VALVE (1997–1998)
• CUMMINS 3930318 OEM THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) – RAM 5.9L 12-VALVE (1994–1998)
• CUMMINS 3903834 OEM STARTER MOUNTING BOLT (12-POINT CAP SCREW) – RAM 5.9L (1994–2007)

Installation Notes

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before working on engine wiring.
• Unplug the IAT connector and carefully remove the old sensor from the intake horn.
• Clean the threaded port and sealing surface; remove carbon/oil buildup if present.
• Lightly oil the threads/seal as specified and install the new sensor; torque to OE spec.
• Reconnect the harness, start the engine, and verify realistic intake temp readings.

Specifications for cummins 3918461

FAQ

WILL THIS CUMMINS 3918461 IAT SENSOR FIT MY 1991.5–1997 5.9L 12-VALVE?

Yes. Cummins 3918461 is the OE intake air temperature sensor for most intercooled 1991.5–1993 D/W 250 & 350 and 1994–1997 Ram 2500/3500 5.9L 12-valve applications that use an IAT threaded into the intake horn. If you have a swap or mixed-year build, always confirm by VIN/ESN or by comparing the original sensor.

WHAT ABOUT 1998 AND LATER 5.9L CUMMINS TRUCKS?

Most 1998 12-valve trucks use a different air-intake temperature sensor calibration (commonly cataloged as Cummins 3932272), and 1998.5–2002 24-valve ISB trucks use a different style IAT entirely. This 3918461 listing targets 1991.5–1997 12-valve applications only. Check your year, connector style, and part number before ordering.

WHAT SYMPTOMS POINT TO A FAILED OR DRIFTING IAT SENSOR?

Common signs include hard cold starts, excessive white or gray smoke on start-up, poor throttle response in changing temperatures, and IAT readings on a scan tool that do not match actual ambient temperature (or engine bay temperature) after a heat soak. Always inspect wiring and grounds as part of diagnosis.

IS THIS A GENUINE CUMMINS PART OR AFTERMARKET?

This listing is for a genuine Cummins 3918461 intake air temperature sensor. It carries Cummins part markings and is built to OE calibration and durability standards, unlike generic aftermarket sensors that may not track temperature correctly over time.

WHAT OTHER PARTS SHOULD I CHECK WHILE REPLACING THE IAT SENSOR?

While you are under the hood on a 12-valve, it is smart to inspect other key sensors and hardware. Many owners pair this IAT with a fresh 3920363 coolant temperature sensor , 3930318 throttle position sensor , and 3923129 crankshaft position sensor to restore clean input signals throughout the system. Check harness condition, grounds, and intake tract cleanliness at the same time.