AutoCodes – Cadillac – B0173 Cadillac

B0173 Cadillac Code - Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit

Quick Answer

Air temperature sensors allow the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module to monitor the temperature of the discharge air in the HVAC ducts. Common causes include Faulty Output Air Temperature Sensor 1, Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 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: B0173 Cadillac indicates Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Output Air Temperature Sensor 1, Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 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 910

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
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B0173 Cadillac Description

Air temperature sensors allow the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module to monitor the temperature of the discharge air in the HVAC ducts. 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 circuit. The HVAC control module monitors the voltage drops across the air temperature sensors and uses the inputs for automatic control calculations. When the duct air temperatures are cold, the resistances of the sensors are high and the voltage signals are high. When the duct air temperatures are hot, the resistances of the sensors are low and the voltage signals are low. The HVAC control module converts the voltage values to count values where 1 volt is approximately equal to 51 counts.

OBDII Code B0173 Cadillac - Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B0173 Cadillac Code - Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0173 Cadillac?

Faulty Output Air Temperature Sensor 1
Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module

How to Fix the DTC B0173 Cadillac?

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

B0173 05: Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Short to Battery or Open
B0173 02: Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Short to Ground

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0173 Cadillac 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.

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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 B0173 Cadillac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B0173 for Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit in a Cadillac?

- Common symptoms include incorrect temperature readings on the dashboard, poor fuel efficiency, and potential issues with the vehicle's air conditioning system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B0173 in a Cadillac related to the Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit?

- Possible causes may include a faulty air temperature sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a malfunctioning control module.

3. How can I diagnose the Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit issue in my Cadillac?

- You can diagnose the issue by performing a visual inspection of the sensor and its wiring, using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific error code, and testing the sensor's resistance with a multimeter.

4. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code B0173 on a Cadillac due to Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit problems?

- Repair tips may include replacing the faulty temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, clearing the error code with an OBDII scanner, and performing a reset of the vehicle's ECM.

5. Can I drive my Cadillac with OBDII code B0173 for Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit without causing further damage?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this error code present, as it can lead to issues with engine performance and fuel efficiency. It's best to address the problem promptly.

6. Are there any safety concerns associated with OBDII code B0173 in a Cadillac related to the Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit?

- While the error itself may not pose an immediate safety risk, ignoring the issue can potentially lead to more significant problems with the vehicle's performance and emissions.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B0173 in a Cadillac due to Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit issues?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the problem, but it may involve expenses for parts, labor, and diagnostic testing. It's advisable to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code B0173 for Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit in my Cadillac without repairing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the error code using an OBDII scanner, it is important to address the root cause of the problem to prevent the code from reoccurring and ensure proper functioning of the vehicle.

9. Is it possible to prevent OBDII code B0173 related to Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit issues in a Cadillac?

- Regular maintenance and inspections of the vehicle's sensors, wiring, and connectors can help prevent such issues. Additionally, avoiding extreme temperature conditions and driving habits that may stress the sensor can be beneficial.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B0173 for Output Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit in a Cadillac?

- Repair times can vary based on the specific cause of the problem, availability of parts, and the expertise of the mechanic. In general, the repair process may take a few hours to complete.