AutoCodes – GMC – B0163 2018 GMC Sierra

B0163 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit

Quick Answer

The ambient light/sunload sensor integrates the sunload sensor and passenger compartment temperature sensor into a single assembly. Common causes include Faulty Ambient Light/Sunload Sensor, Ambient Light/Sunload Sensor harness is open or shorted, Ambient Light/Sunload 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: B0163 2018 GMC Sierra indicates Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Ambient Light/Sunload Sensor, Ambient Light/Sunload Sensor harness is open or shorted, Ambient Light/Sunload 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 221

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 Nov 10, 2022

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

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

Code B0163 2018 GMC Sierra Description

The ambient light/sunload sensor integrates the sunload sensor and passenger compartment temperature sensor into a single assembly.
The solar sensor is connected to a low reference and a 5 V biased (pull-up) signal circuit voltage from the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module. As the sunload increases, the sensor signal voltage decreases. The signal varies between 0.1 - 4.9 V and is provided to the HVAC control module.
The passenger compartment temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. A signal and low reference circuit enable the sensor to operate. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. The sensor signal varies between 0 - 5 V.
Bright or high-intensity light causes the vehicle's interior temperature to increase. The HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle.

OBDII Code B0163 2018 GMC Sierra - Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0163 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0163 2018 GMC Sierra?

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

How to Fix the DTC B0163 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B0163:02 Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
B0163:05 Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit Short to Battery or Open

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0163 2018 GMC Sierra 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 B0163 2018 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0163 2018 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0163 2018 GMC Sierra 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 B0163 2018 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0163 in a 2018 GMC Sierra related to the Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit?

The common symptoms include inaccurate interior temperature readings on the climate control system, inconsistent heating or cooling performance, and potential issues with the automatic climate control feature.

2. What are the possible causes for OBDII code B0163 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Possible causes include a faulty passenger compartment temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, a malfunctioning climate control module, or issues with the HVAC system.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B0163 in my 2018 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosing the issue involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code, inspecting the passenger compartment temperature sensor and its wiring for any visible damage, and conducting tests to check the sensor's resistance and functionality.

4. Can I repair the Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit issue myself in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

If you have the necessary tools and experience working with automotive electrical systems, you may be able to repair the issue yourself by replacing the faulty sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing any other identified problems in the circuit.

5. Is it safe to continue driving my 2018 GMC Sierra with OBDII code B0163 active?

While the vehicle may still be drivable with this code, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to ensure proper functioning of the climate control system and prevent further potential complications.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code B0163 in my 2018 GMC Sierra make the issue go away?

Simply resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying problem with the Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit issue in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the problem, but it may involve expenses for parts such as a new sensor, labor for diagnostics and repair, and potentially additional components if needed.

8. Can extreme temperatures or environmental factors trigger OBDII code B0163 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

While extreme temperatures or environmental conditions can potentially impact sensor readings, the code is more likely to be triggered by a malfunction within the passenger compartment temperature sensor circuit itself.

9. Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid encountering OBDII code B0163 in my 2018 GMC Sierra?

Regular maintenance checks, including inspections of the climate control system components, can help identify potential issues early and prevent the occurrence of codes like B0163 related to the Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit issue in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The repair time can vary based on the complexity of the problem and the availability of parts, but it may take a few hours to a full day for a mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue with the sensor circuit.