GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The driver information center (DIC) 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 DIC senses a larger voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a lower temperature. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor decreases, the driver information center senses a smaller voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a higher temperature.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B0160 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

Conditions for Running the DTC

The DIC must be fully operational within a continuous voltage supply of 9.0-16.0 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The DIC detects that the temperature is greater than 140°C (284°F) for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

SC is displayed by the DIC in the compass/temperature mode when the condition 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 DIC receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Test Description

The number below refer to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range. A DTC may set when performing this step.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Driver Information System Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.

Does the driver information center (DIC) display SC?

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the DIC display OC?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the DIC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Ambient Air Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the DIC. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK