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 03: Outside Air Temperature Sensor Voltage Below Threshold

DTC B0158 07: Outside Air Temperature Sensor Voltage Above Threshold

DTC B0163 06: Passenger Compartment Temp Sensor Circuit Short to Ground or Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Outside Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0158 03

B0158 07

B0158 07

--

Inside Air Temperature Sensor Signal

B0163 06

B0163 06

B0163 06

--

Low Reference

--

B0158 07, B0163 06

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The HVAC control module monitors the air temperature sensors with a low reference circuit and 5-volt signal circuit. The HVAC control module monitors the voltage drop across the sensor, which is proportional to temperature. 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.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is turned ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The HVAC control module detects the sensor signal circuit is less than -35°C (-39°F).
    • The HVAC control module detects the sensor signal circuit is greater than 85°C (185°F) .

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The HVAC control module uses a default air temperature value for further automatic control calculations.
    • The default values are not displayed on the scan tool.
    • The driver information center (DIC) will display SERVICE A/C SYSTEM.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects a failure.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 fault-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Automatic HVAC 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 appropriate air temperature sensor. The reading should be between -35°C (-39°F) and 85°C (185°F) and change with air temperature changes.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate air temperature sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal listed below and ground:
  3. • Ambient air temperature sensor terminal B
    • Inside air temperature sensor terminal 1
    If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool appropriate Air Temp Sensor parameter is less than -35°C (-39°F).
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal listed below for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
    • Ambient air temperature sensor terminal A
    • Inside air temperature sensor terminal 2
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal listed below and the low reference circuit terminal listed below. Verify the scan tool Air Temp Sensor parameter is greater than 85°C (185°F).
  7. • Ambient air temperature sensor signal circuit terminal A and low reference circuit terminal B
    • Inside air temperature sensor signal circuit terminal 2 and low reference circuit terminal 1
    If less 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 HVAC control module.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate air temperature sensor.

Component Testing

  1. A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle in warn and or cold water. Refer to Sensor Resistance Table for this test.
  2. Test the ambient air temperature sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance.
  3. Compare the readings with the Temperature VS Resistance table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
  4. If not within the specified range, replace the sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Inside Air Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming