GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The following DTCs are for the ambient air temperature sensor and for the inside air temperature sensor assembly:

    • B0159 is for the ambient air temperature sensor.
    • B0164 is for the inside air temperature sensor assembly.

The ambient air temperature sensor allows the HVAC control module to monitor the temperature of the air surrounding the front of the vehicle. The inside air temperature sensor assembly allows the HVAC control module to monitor the temperature of the air inside the passenger compartment. The module applies 5 volts to internal input resistors that are connected to the signal circuits of the air temperature sensors. The module provides ground to the air temperature sensors through the low reference circuits. The HVAC control module monitors the voltage drops across the air temperature sensors and uses the inputs for automatic control calculations. The HVAC control module also uses the ambient air temperature input to calculate the value of the ambient air temperature display. When the air temperatures are cold, the resistances of the sensors are high and the voltage signals are high. When the air temperatures are hot, the resistances of the sensors are low and the voltage signals are low.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

    • DTC B0159 Range/Performance Passenger Compartment Temp Sensor
    • DTC B0164 Circuit Range/Performance Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit

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 air temperature sensor is less than 0.09 V or greater than 4.9 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The HVAC control module uses a default value of 10°C (50°F) for the ambient air temperature display. The scan tool also displays 10°C (50°F) as the value for the Outside Air Temp. Raw parameter.
    • The HVAC control module use a default value of 25°C (77°F) for the Inside Air Temp. 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.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step verifies that the condition that set the DTC is present.

Step

Action

Values

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

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Select the HVAC control module display DTC function on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate that B0159 or B0164 is a current DTC?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the appropriate air temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the appropriate air temperature sensor to a good ground.

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 appropriate 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 appropriate air temperature sensor for the following:

    • An open
    • A high resistance
    • A short to ground
    • A 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 appropriate 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 appropriate air temperature sensor assembly. 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 air temperature sensor assembly. Refer to the appropriate replacement procedure:

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

  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