Code
B2914
Generic
B — Body
Outside Ambient Temperature Sensor Circuit Fault
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Failed outside ambient temperature (OAT) sensor (thermistor)
- Open circuit (broken wire, damaged harness) between sensor and control module
- Short to ground or battery (power) in the sensor circuit
- Corroded or loose sensor connector or pins (water intrusion)
- Faulty body/climate control module or poor ground at module
- Intermittent connection due to movement or damaged insulation
Symptoms
- Incorrect or no outside temperature display on dash
- HVAC auto mode behaves incorrectly (wrong fan/recirculation decisions)
- Ambient temp may be stuck at a single value or show extreme/erratic values
- Possible service message related to climate or ambient sensor
- No drivability symptoms in most cases (not an engine code)
What to check
- Use a scan tool to read freeze-frame and live OAT value; check whether value is static, out-of-range, or intermittent
- Visually inspect sensor location (usually front bumper/behind grille), connector, and wiring for damage or corrosion
- Check for trouble codes stored in body/climate and related modules
- Probe connector with multimeter: measure sensor resistance (with sensor disconnected) and voltage (key ON) at the harness/connector
- Check continuity between sensor connector and control module connector; check for short to ground or battery
- Wiggle harness and sensor while monitoring live data to identify intermittent faults
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor type: NTC thermistor (negative-temperature-coefficient)
- Approx. resistance (examples for a common 10 kΩ @25°C NTC): -40°C: >100 kΩ (very high), 0°C: ~30–40 kΩ, 25°C: ~8–12 kΩ, 40°C: ~4–6 kΩ (values vary by sensor)
- Expected voltage at sensor circuit (with typical pull-up): roughly 0.3–4.7 V across ambient temperature range (exact values depend on vehicle pull-up resistor and module reference voltage)
- Open circuit: resistance = infinite or very high; short to ground: voltage ≈ 0 V; short to battery/pull-up: voltage ≈ reference (often 5 V)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record freeze-frame data and current live OAT readings with a scan tool. Note related codes in other modules.
- Inspect sensor location and connector for physical damage, contamination, or water ingress. Replace or clean if corroded.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe sensor connector harness side: measure voltage between signal and ground. Compare to expected range. If signal ~0 V or ~reference voltage, proceed to step 5.
- Remove sensor and measure resistance across sensor terminals at ambient temperature. Compare to manufacturer specification or typical NTC values (e.g., ~10 kΩ at 25°C). If sensor out-of-spec, replace sensor.
- If sensor resistance is good but harness signal abnormal, perform continuity check between sensor connector and module connector; check for short to ground and short to battery. Repair any wiring faults.
- If wiring and sensor test good but code persists, inspect module grounds and power supplies. Repair any poor grounds or power issues.
- If harness, sensor, and module power/grounds are confirmed good, consider replacing the body/climate control module or consult manufacturer technical service bulletins.
- After repair, clear codes and verify correct OAT readings and system operation over a test drive and by comparing to an independent thermometer. Re-check for reappearance of code.
Likely causes
- Open or high-resistance circuit at sensor connector (water/corrosion)
- Failed sensor (thermistor out of spec)
- Short to ground or battery in harness near sensor
- Connector pushed into splash zone with corrosion
- Control module input fault (less common)
Fault status
Status
Outside Ambient Temperature Sensor Circuit Fault (open/short/intermittent) — check sensor, wiring, and module inputs.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-1.5 hours
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