B0161

DTC B0160 or B0161

DTC Descriptors

DTC B0160
- Outside Air Temperature (OAT) Sensor Open

DTC B0161
- Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

DTC B0158 06
- Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview






Circuit Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) monitors the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor. The ambient air temperature is a thermistor which varies in resistance as the temperature changes. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor increases, the IPC senses a larger voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a lower temperature. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor decreases, the IPC senses a smaller voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a higher temperature. The ambient air temperature is displayed in the DIC by the IPC. The ambient air temperature sensor is interfaced with the IPC via two discreet inputs.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

* DTC B0160 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
* DTC B0161 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Conditions for Running the DTC

The IPC must be fully operational within a continuous voltage supply of 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC B0160 sets when the instrument panel cluster (IPC) detects that the temperature is greater than 190°F (88°C) for more than 2 seconds.

DTC B0161 sets when the IPC detects that the temperature is less than -40°F (-40°C) for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* "SC" is displayed in the DIC by the IPC when the ambient air temperature sensor resistance value is less than the lowest ambient air temperature sensor resistance threshold and DTC B0160 is present.
* "OC" is displayed in the DIC by the IPC when the ambient air temperature sensor resistance value is greater than the highest ambient air temperature sensor resistance threshold and DTC B0161 is present.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

* The DTC becomes history when the DIC no longer detects a failure.
* The history DTC clears after 100 fault-free ignition cycles.
* The IPC receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient air temperature sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit and ground.

• If greater than 1 ohm, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, verify the driver information center (DIC) displays "OC".

• If the DIC does not display "OC", test the ambient air temperature sensor signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the DIC.

4. Ignition ON, install a 3-Amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor. Verify the DIC displays "SC".

• If the DIC does not display "SC", test the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the DIC.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ambient air temperature sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure. Verification Tests

* Ambient Air Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement