AutoCodes.com
Login with Google
AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P1160 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

P1160 2016 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 2016 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.
Save to My Repairs My Repairs
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 172
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
What is this?
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1160 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com
P1160 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1160 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1160 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 P1160 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1160 mean on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

P1160 indicates an issue with the O2 reference voltage circuit for NOx Sensor 1, meaning the sensor is detecting a higher-than-expected voltage.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1160 on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, reduced fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, and possible limp mode activation.

3. What causes code P1160 to appear on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common causes include a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM).

4. Can I drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with a P1160 code?

Driving with a P1160 code is not recommended, as it may lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage to the emissions system.

5. How do I diagnose the P1160 code on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnose the issue by checking the NOx sensor and its wiring for damage or corrosion, testing the reference voltage, and using a scan tool to monitor sensor data.

6. How can I fix the P1160 code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

7. How much does it cost to repair the P1160 code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost can vary, but replacing a NOx sensor typically ranges from $300 to $600, including parts and labor. Wiring repairs or PCM replacements may cost more.

8. Can a bad NOx sensor cause the P1160 code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Yes, a faulty NOx sensor is one of the most common causes of the P1160 code.

9. What tools are needed to troubleshoot a P1160 code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Tools include an OBDII scan tool, a multimeter for voltage testing, and possibly a wiring diagram for the NOx sensor circuit.

10. Will clearing the P1160 code on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado fix the problem?

Clearing the code will turn off the check engine light temporarily, but the issue will return unless the underlying problem is resolved.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1160 2016 Chevrolet Silverado OBDII Code

Submit a New Comment

Code P1160 2016 Chevrolet Silverado comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play