AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado

P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

Quick Answer

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado indicates O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1).
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 206

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Description

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. There are two NOx sensors, one placed upstream of selective catalytic reduction, to measure inlet NOx concentration, and one placed downstream. They are connected with the control module via CAN and all the information is exchanged through it. Since it is a smart sensor, all the electrical monitoring is performed inside the sensor and only the results are sent to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Each NOx sensor contains a sensing cell, a pumping cell, and a heater. A sample of exhaust gas passes through a diffusion gap between the sensing cell and the pumping cell. The NOx sensor maintains a constant reference voltage across the sensing cell. An electronic circuit within sensor controls the pump current through the pumping cell in order to maintain a constant voltage in the sensing cell. The amount of current required to maintain the reference voltage in the sensing cell is proportional to the concentration of NOx in the exhaust. The ECM varies the amount of diesel exhaust fluid (reductant) added by varying the reductant injector duty cycle in response to changes in engine exhaust NOx levels. The smart NOx sensors consist of two components, the NOx module and the NOx sensor element that are serviced as a unit. A circuit or performance condition with a NOx sensor is detected by the NOx sensor module. The smart NOx sensor module communicates the condition to the ECM over the serial data line. The ECM sets a DTC when a serial data message is received from the NOx sensor module. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set if the ECM software detects a fault in the NOx sensor circuitry or a performance fault in the NOx sensor for greater than 2 s.

OBDII Code P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com — P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 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 P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado code?

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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 P1160 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1160 mean on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

P1160 indicates an "O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage" issue related to NOx Sensor 1, meaning the sensor is detecting a higher-than-expected reference voltage.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1160 on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Symptoms may include an illuminated check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, decreased engine performance, and, in some cases, emissions test failure.

3. What causes the P1160 code to appear on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

The code can be triggered by a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a short or open circuit, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How do I diagnose the P1160 code on my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Start by checking the wiring and connectors for damage near NOx Sensor 1, then test the sensor for correct operation and inspect the reference voltage signal using a multimeter or scan tool.

5. Can I drive my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with the P1160 code?

Itâ€™s not recommended to drive extensively with this code, as it may lead to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to other components.

6. How do I fix the P1160 code on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty NOx sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the ECM if necessary.

7. Is the P1160 code related to the oxygen sensor on my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

No, the code refers to the NOx sensor, which monitors nitrogen oxide levels, not the oxygen sensor that monitors oxygen levels in the exhaust.

8. How much does it cost to repair the P1160 code on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, but replacing a NOx sensor typically costs $200â€“$600, including parts and labor.

9. Can a dirty or clogged exhaust system cause the P1160 code?

While unlikely, a clogged exhaust system can indirectly affect NOx sensor readings, so itâ€™s worth inspecting the exhaust system if other repairs donâ€™t resolve the issue.

10. Does clearing the P1160 code with a scan tool fix the problem?

Clearing the code will turn off the check engine light temporarily, but if the underlying issue is not resolved, the code will return.