The ambient air temperature (AAT) sensor provides the HVAC control module software with the temperature of the air outside the vehicle. That temperature can be displayed in the driver information center (DIC). A reference voltage is supplied to the sensor thermistor and the HVAC control module determines the voltage drop across that device, which is proportional to the temperature. As the air temperature increases, the resistance decreases, and the voltage signal decreases. As the air temperature decreases, the resistance increases, and the voltage signal increases.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:
• | DTC B0160 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low |
• | DTC B0162 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Open or High |
The ignition is turned ON.
The HVAC control module detects the AAT sensor signal circuit is less than 2 counts for more than 30 seconds.
The HVAC control module detects the AAT sensor signal circuit is more than 253 counts for more than 30 seconds.
The DIC will display 15°C (59°F) for outside air temperature.
The system operates using a default value of 15°C.
The system operates using a default value of 15°C.
• | The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects the condition that set the DTC. |
• | The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles. |
• | The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool. |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.
This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: HVAC Schematics Connector End View Reference: HVAC Connector End Views | ||||||||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||||||||
2 |
Does the scan tool indicate that the Outside Air Temp parameter is within the specified range? | 2-253 counts | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | Go to Step 3 | ||||||||||
Does the scan tool indicate that the Outside Air Temp parameter is greater than the specified value? | 253 counts | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 | |||||||||||
Does the scan tool indicate that the Outside Air Temp parameter is less than the specified value? | 2 counts | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 | |||||||||||
5 | Test the signal circuit of the AAT sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 | ||||||||||
6 | Test the signal circuit of the AAT sensor for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||||||
7 | Test the low reference circuit of the AAT sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||||||
8 | Test the signal circuits of the following components for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 | ||||||||||
9 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the AAT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||||||
10 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 12 | ||||||||||
11 | Replace the AAT sensor. Refer to Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||||||
12 | Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||||||
13 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |