AutoCodes – GMC – P2160 2016 GMC Sierra

P2160 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) provides vehicle speed information to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Speed 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: P2160 2016 GMC Sierra indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Speed 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 219

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 08, 2022

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

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

Code P2160 2016 GMC Sierra Description

The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) provides vehicle speed information to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The VSS is a permanent magnet generator. The sensor is mounted in the transfer case facing the rear internal gear which is splined to the output shaft assembly. As the output shaft and internal gear rotate, the toothed rotor of the internal gear produces AC voltage as the rotor teeth pass through the magnetic field of the sensor. The AC voltage level and the number of pulses increase as the speed of the vehicle increases. The ECM converts the voltage to vehicle speed. The ECM uses the output shaft speed signal to determine shift timing, as well as transfer case range. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when there is no speed signal from the transfer case speed sensor.

OBDII Code P2160 2016 GMC Sierra - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P2160 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2160 2016 GMC Sierra?

Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted
Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P2160 2016 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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P2160 2016 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 P2160 2016 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2160 2016 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2160 2016 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 P2160 2016 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2160 indicate on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

The P2160 code indicates that the Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit has registered a low voltage situation, which could affect the transmission's functionality and vehicle speed readings.

2. What are common symptoms of the P2160 code in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Common symptoms include a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated on the dashboard, inaccurate speedometer readings, the transmission having difficulty shifting, or the vehicle entering limp mode.

3. What can cause a P2160 code to appear in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Possible causes include a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged wires or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the vehicleâ€™s transmission control module (TCM).

4. How is the P2160 code diagnosed in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to confirm the code, visually inspecting the sensor and its connections for damage, and measuring the voltage in the sensor circuit with a multimeter to verify the low voltage condition.

5. What repairs can fix the P2160 code in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Repairs might include replacing the vehicle speed sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or in some cases, updating or replacing the transmission control module.

6. Is it safe to drive a 2016 GMC Sierra with the P2160 code?

While the vehicle may be drivable, driving with this code can lead to further complications like impaired transmission function and inaccurate speed readings, which can affect overall driving safety. It is advisable to address the issue as soon as possible.

7. How urgent is it to repair a P2160 code on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

It is fairly urgent to repair this issue to prevent potential drivability problems and to ensure accurate speed measurement and proper transmission function.

8. Can a faulty vehicle speed sensor affect the fuel economy of a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a faulty vehicle speed sensor can lead to inaccurate speed data, which can impair the engine and transmission efficiency, potentially leading to reduced fuel economy.