GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B0158 02: Outside Air Temperature Sensor Short to Ground

DTC B0158 05: Outside Air Temperature Sensor Short to Battery or Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0158 02

B0158 05

B0158 05

1

Upper Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0173 06

B0173 05

B0173 05

1

Lower Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0178 06

B0178 05

B0178 05

1

Sunload Sensor Signal

B0183 02

B0183 05

B0183 05

1

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

B0158 05

--

--

Upper Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

B0173 05

--

--

Lower Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

B0178 05

--

--

Sunload Sensor Low Reference

--

B0183 05

--

--

Sunload Sensor Ground

--

B0183 05

--

--

1. Air Temperature Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient air temperature sensor to display ambient air temperature. The temperature sensor is a 2-wire negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. The BCM applies 5 volts to an internal input resistor that is connected to the signal circuits of the ambient air temperature sensor. The BCM provides the ground to the ambient air temperature sensor through the low reference circuit. The BCM monitors the voltage drop across the ambient air temperature sensor and uses the input for automatic control calculations. When the ambient air temperatures are cold, the resistance of the sensor is high and the voltage signals are high. When the ambient air temperatures are hot; the resistance of the sensors is low and the voltage signals are low. The BCM converts the voltage value to a temperature value of Celsius and Fahrenheit that will be displayed by the driver information center (DIC).

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The BCM detects the sensor signal circuit is less than 0.05 volt.
    • The BCM detects the sensor signal circuit is greater than 4.9 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The default value of 85°C (185°F) will be substituted for the ambient air temperature sensor data by the HVAC control module.
    • The DIC will display actual temperature.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the BCM no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC will clear after 100 fault-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Air Delivery Description and Operation
    •  Air Temperature Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool HVAC Control Module Ambient Air Temp Sensor parameter. The reading should be between -35 and +85°C (-39 and +185°F) and change with air temperature changes.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient air temperature sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the following low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool BCM Ambient Air Temp Sensor parameter is greater than 4.8 volts.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool BCM Air Temp Sensor parameter is less than 0.20 volt.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  8. 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.

    •  Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming