Code
B0160
HUMMER
B — Body
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
Views:
UK: 6
EN: 12
RU: 9
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or disconnected ambient air temperature sensor
- Corroded, bent, or contaminated sensor connector
- Wiring harness open, shorted to ground or power, or high resistance
- Water intrusion at sensor or connector (common at front bumper area)
- Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor
- Faulty HVAC / body control module or poor module connector connection
Symptoms
- Incorrect outside/ambient temperature displayed on dash or HVAC controls
- Automatic climate control behaves incorrectly (fan speeds, mode, recirculation)
- Defog/defrost may operate poorly due to wrong outside temp input
- Possible stored B0160 code(s) with related HVAC or body module alerts
- Code may be intermittent and triggered by wet conditions or vibration
What to check
- Scan vehicle and record DTC(s) and any freeze-frame/live data for ambient temp value
- Visually inspect sensor location (grille/bumper) for damage, contamination, or water intrusion
- Inspect connector for corrosion, bent pins, moisture, or loose terminals
- Perform wiggle test on harness with scan tool monitoring ambient temp value for intermittent changes
- Check for blown fuses or damaged module connectors related to HVAC/body control circuits
- Measure continuity between sensor connector and control module connector to check for open or high resistance
Signal parameters
- Sensor type: usually an NTC thermistor (resistance decreases as temperature increases)
- Typical behavior: resistance changes with ambient temperature; voltage reported to module varies accordingly (commonly in the ~0.5–4.5 V range depending on design)
- Exact resistance/voltage specifications vary by model — consult manufacturer service data for precise values
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a capable scan tool, read and record DTCs and live ambient temperature value; note whether the value is fixed, implausible, or intermittent.
- Visually inspect the ambient temperature sensor and harness at the front of vehicle for damage, contamination, or moisture. Repair or replace damaged mounting as needed.
- Disconnect sensor connector, inspect pins for corrosion or damage, clean and apply dielectric grease if appropriate; reconnect and recheck code.
- With connector disconnected, measure sensor resistance across its terminals at known ambient temperature and compare to factory spec (if unavailable, verify it behaves like a thermistor — resistance falls as you warm the sensor).
- Backprobe sensor connector (or use a powered harness connector) and measure voltage/reference signal at the module side with key on; verify proper reference voltage and signal behavior while changing ambient temperature (warm breath or ice pack to observe response).
- Check continuity/resistance of wiring between sensor connector and the control module for opens, shorts to power/ground, or high resistance. Repair any damaged wiring and secure routing to prevent chafing.
- If wiring and sensor test good, inspect module connector and grounds; if still unresolved, consider module input fault and consult manufacturer service information before replacing module.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive or environmental check to confirm code does not return.
Likely causes
- Corroded/loose connector at the ambient temperature sensor
- Broken or chafed wiring between sensor and control module
- Failed ambient air temperature sensor (thermistor)
- Water-damaged sensor assembly behind bumper/grille
- Intermittent connection due to vibration or mounting damage
Fault status
Status
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit fault stored when sensor signal is out of expected range (open, short, or implausible reading) or the circuit shows intermittent connectivity.
Repair difficulty: Easy
Diagnostic time: 0.5-1.5 hours
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