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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B0158 02: Outside Air Temperature (OAT) Sensor Short to Ground

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

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0158

1

B0158

B0158

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low Reference

--

1

B0158

--

Circuit/System Description

The ambient air temperature sensor is a variable resistor interfaced to the body control module (BCM). The BCM monitors the ambient air temperature sensor. The ambient air temperature sensor is a 2-wire negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. The BCM applies 5 volts to an internal input resistor connected to the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor. The BCM also provides the low reference circuit to the ambient air temperature sensor. When the ambient air temperature is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the signal voltage is high. When the ambient air temperature is hot, the sensor resistance is low and the signal voltage is low. The BCM provides the logic for reading the ambient air temperature sensor, filtering the data and transmitting the information via the serial data circuit to the driver information center (DIC) for display in the radio. The temperature is sent to the DIC in Degrees Celsius. The radio is responsible for displaying the temperature and converting to Degrees Fahrenheit. Two serial data signals are ultimately generated. An un-filtered value and a filtered value for use by the DIC display. The BCM also provides the sensor out-of-range detection and compensates for engine temperature by utilizing vehicle speed and engine off time duration.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is in ACC or RUN.
    • The system voltage is between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects that the ambient air temperature is 0.4 volt or more than 4.8 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The default value of 3°C (38°F) will be substituted for the ambient air temperature sensor data by the BCM.
    • The driver information center (DIC) will display SET TEMPERATURE when ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC becomes history when the BCM no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC clears after 40 malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

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 Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient air temperature sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified value, 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 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor parameter is greater than 4.7 volts.
  5. If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the ambient air temperature sensor signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Ambient Air Temperature Sensor parameter is less than 0.4 volt.
  7. If greater than the specified value, 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 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