Circuit Description
The ambient air temperature sensor allows the HVAC control module to monitor the temperature of the air surrounding the front of the vehicle. The module applies 5 volts to internal input resistors that are connected to the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor. The module provides ground to the ambient air temperature sensor through the low reference circuit. The HVAC control module monitors the voltage drop across the ambient air temperature sensor and uses the input for automatic control calculations. When the air temperature is cold, the resistance of the sensor is high and the voltage signal is high. When the air temperature is hot, the resistance of the sensor is low and the voltage signal is low.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC B0159 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | Battery voltage to the HVAC control module is greater than 8.7 volts and less than 16.5 volts. |
| • | The ignition is turned ON. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The HVAC control module determines that the voltage applied to the input for the ambient air temperature sensor is less than 0.09 volts or greater than 4.9 volt.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The scan tool displays 10°C (50°F) as the value for the Outside Air Temp. Raw parameter.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | 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 100 fault-free ignition cycles. |
| • | The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
If the condition is not present, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .
Test Description
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
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 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that B0159 is a current DTC? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
3 |
Does the voltage measure near the specified value? | 5 V | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 |
4 | Measure the voltage from the signal circuit to the low reference circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor. Does the voltage measure near the specified value? | 5 V | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 |
5 | Test the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor for an open, high resistance, short to ground, or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 8 |
6 | Test the low reference circuit of the ambient air temperature 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 11 | Go to Step 8 |
7 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 9 |
8 | 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 11 | Go to Step 10 |
9 | Replace the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
10 | Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
11 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
