AutoCodes – Saturn – B0159 Saturn

B0159 Saturn Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Quick Answer

The ambient air temperature sensor allows the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module to monitor the temperature of the air surrounding the front of the vehicle. Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical. The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

What it means: B0159 Saturn indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical.
Can I drive?: The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 1,069

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Low (Monitor) (1 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 10, 2021

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B0159 Saturn Description

The ambient air temperature sensor allows the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (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.

OBDII Code B0159 Saturn - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance - AutoCodes.com — B0159 Saturn Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0159 Saturn?

Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module

How to Fix the DTC B0159 Saturn?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0159 Saturn code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B0159 Saturn code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0159 Saturn code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0159 Saturn code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B0159 Saturn Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0159 in a Saturn related to the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance?

- Common symptoms include inaccurate temperature readings on the vehicle's display, incorrect HVAC system operation, and potential issues with the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

2. What are some possible causes of OBDII code B0159 in a Saturn?

- Possible causes include a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or a problem with the sensor's calibration.

3. How can I diagnose the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance issue in my Saturn?

- Use a multimeter to test the ambient air temperature sensor's resistance and voltage output. Check the sensor's wiring and connectors for any signs of damage or corrosion. Ensure the sensor is properly calibrated.

4. Can I drive my Saturn with the B0159 OBDII code present?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with this code, but you may experience issues with temperature readings and HVAC system operation. It is best to address the issue promptly to avoid any potential long-term problems.

5. What is the typical repair for OBDII code B0159 in a Saturn?

- The typical repair involves replacing the faulty ambient air temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and calibrating the new sensor to ensure accurate readings.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code B0159 in a Saturn without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, it will likely reappear if the root cause of the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance problem is not addressed.

7. Can extreme weather conditions affect the ambient air temperature sensor's performance in a Saturn?

- Yes, extreme temperatures can impact the sensor's accuracy and performance, leading to potential issues with temperature readings and HVAC system operation.

8. How long does it typically take to repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance issue in a Saturn?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the problem, but it usually takes around 1-2 hours to diagnose, replace the sensor, and recalibrate it.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid encountering OBDII code B0159 in a Saturn?

- Regularly inspecting the ambient air temperature sensor, checking for any signs of damage or corrosion, and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent the occurrence of this OBDII code.

10. Will fixing the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance issue improve my Saturn's overall performance?

- While resolving this issue may not directly impact the vehicle's performance, it can help ensure accurate temperature readings, optimal HVAC system operation, and potentially improve fuel efficiency.