AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B0161 Chevrolet

B0161 Chevrolet Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low

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: B0161 Chevrolet indicates Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low.
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 2,706

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
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Code B0161 Chevrolet 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 B0161 Chevrolet - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low - AutoCodes.com — B0161 Chevrolet Code - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0161 Chevrolet?

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 B0161 Chevrolet?

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 B0161 Chevrolet 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 B0161 Chevrolet code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0161 Chevrolet code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B0161 Chevrolet 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 B0161 Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0161 for the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low in a Chevrolet?

The common symptoms include inaccurate outside temperature readings on the vehicle's display, issues with the climate control system, and potential impact on automatic headlights and other related systems.

2. What can cause the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low code (B0161) in a Chevrolet?

Possible causes include a faulty ambient air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors leading to the sensor, or issues with the sensor's calibration.

3. How can I diagnose the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low code (B0161) in my Chevrolet?

Diagnosing this code involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific code, testing the ambient air temperature sensor's resistance, inspecting the wiring for any damage, and checking the sensor's connection.

4. Can a bad ambient air temperature sensor affect my vehicle's performance?

While the sensor itself may not directly impact performance, a faulty ambient air temperature sensor can affect the accuracy of various vehicle systems that rely on outside temperature data, potentially leading to discomfort and inconvenience for the driver.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B0161 for the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low in my Chevrolet?

Repairing this code typically involves replacing the faulty ambient air temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the code with a scan tool after the repair is complete.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low code (B0161) illuminated in my Chevrolet?

While it may be safe to drive with this code displayed, it is recommended to address the underlying issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of temperature-related systems in your vehicle.

7. Can I reset the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low code (B0161) in my Chevrolet without fixing the issue?

Resetting the code without addressing the root cause, such as a faulty sensor or wiring problem, may temporarily clear the warning light but will not resolve the underlying issue, leading to the code reappearing in the future.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0161 for the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low in a Chevrolet?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the code, but it generally involves the price of a new ambient air temperature sensor and any labor fees if you choose to have a professional mechanic perform the repair.

9. Can extreme weather conditions impact the ambient air temperature sensor in my Chevrolet and trigger the B0161 code?

Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can potentially affect the ambient air temperature sensor's readings and contribute to triggering the B0161 code in your Chevrolet.

10. Is the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Low code (B0161) specific to Chevrolet vehicles, or can it occur in other car brands?

While the specific code designation may vary, similar ambient air temperature sensor issues can occur in vehicles from other manufacturers, leading to related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) being triggered.