AutoCodes – Pontiac – B0160 Pontiac

B0160 Pontiac Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High

Quick Answer

The Driver Information Center (DIC) applies 5 volts to the ambient air temperature sensor. 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
B0160 Pontiac indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High.
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.
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Code Popularity 1,025
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 10, 2021
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Code B0160 Pontiac 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.
OBDII Code B0160 Pontiac - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High - AutoCodes.com
B0160 Pontiac Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0160 Pontiac?

  • Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
  • Ambient Air Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Ambient Air Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B0160 Pontiac?

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 B0160 Pontiac 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 B0160 Pontiac code?

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Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0160 Pontiac 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 B0160 Pontiac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of an Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) in a Pontiac?

- Common symptoms include inaccurate temperature readings on the vehicle's display, issues with the climate control system, and potential impact on the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

2. What could cause the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) to appear in a Pontiac?

- The code B0160 is typically triggered by a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, wiring issues, or a malfunction in the climate control module.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) in my Pontiac?

- To diagnose the issue, you can use an OBDII scanner to read the fault codes, visually inspect the ambient air temperature sensor and its wiring for any damage, and perform a resistance test on the sensor.

4. Can I drive my Pontiac with the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) without repairing it?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with this code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to ensure proper functioning of the climate control system and accurate temperature readings.

5. How can I repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) in my Pontiac?

- Repairing the B0160 code may involve replacing the ambient air temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, or reprogramming the climate control module to clear the fault code.

6. Is it possible to reset the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) in a Pontiac without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the fault code using an OBDII scanner, it is not advisable to reset the code without addressing the root cause, as the issue may persist and trigger the code again.

7. Will replacing the ambient air temperature sensor resolve the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) in my Pontiac?

- In many cases, replacing the faulty ambient air temperature sensor can resolve the B0160 code, but it is important to ensure that the sensor is the actual cause of the issue before replacing it.

8. Can extreme weather conditions affect the appearance of the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) in a Pontiac?

- Extreme temperatures, such as very high or very low ambient temperatures, can sometimes impact the performance of the ambient air temperature sensor and potentially trigger the B0160 code.

9. How long does it typically take to repair the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) in a Pontiac?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but replacing the ambient air temperature sensor or addressing wiring issues usually takes a few hours to complete.

10. Is the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High code (B0160) a common issue in Pontiac vehicles?

- The B0160 code related to the ambient air temperature sensor high is not uncommon in Pontiac vehicles, especially in older models or vehicles exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

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