GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Montana 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC B0162

Circuit Description

The driver information center (DIC) applies 5 volts to the ambient air temperature sensor. The ambient air temperature sensor is a thermistor which will vary in resistance with temperature change. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor increases, the DIC senses a larger voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a lower temperature. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor decreases, the DIC senses a small voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a higher temperature.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The DIC must be fully operational within a continuous voltage supply of 9.0 to 16.0 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The sensed temperature must be less than -40°C (-40°F) for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

OC is displayed by the DIC in compass/temperature mode when the condition is present.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • DTC B0162 will become history when the DIC no longer detects a failure.
    • History DTC B0162 will clear after 100 fault free ignition cycles.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. 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

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Driver Information System Schematics

1

Did you perform the DIC Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Driver Information Systems

2

Does the Driver Information Center (DIC) display OC?

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

3
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor connector.
  3. Connect a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the ground circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the DIC display SC?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Test the ground circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

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 in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the DIC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the ambient air temperature sensor. Refer to Ambient Air Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

9

Important: Perform the set up procedure for the replacement DIC.

Replace the DIC. Refer to Driver Information Center Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

10
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK