GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2006 🢒 Montana SV6 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC B0161

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 varies in resistance as the temperature changes. 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 smaller voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a higher temperature.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B0161 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Conditions for Running the DTC

The DIC must be fully operational within a continuous voltage supply of 9-16 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 the compass/temperature mode when the condition is present.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • DTC B0161 status changes from current to history when the condition is no longer present.
    • History DTC B0161 will clear after 100 consecutive 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. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

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 3-ampere fused jumper between the ambient air temperature sensor signal circuit and the low reference circuit.
  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 an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

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 9

Go to Step 7

7

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9
  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