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P1160 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 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 171
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024
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Code P1160 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com
P1160 2016 GMC Sierra Code - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1160 2016 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 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 P1160 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 P1160 2016 GMC Sierra code?

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

Need Help with the 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 2016 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1160 mean on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

P1160 indicates an issue with the O2 reference voltage circuit, specifically a high voltage detected in the NOx Sensor 1.

2. What are the symptoms of code P1160 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include the check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, poor engine performance, and possibly entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P1160 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the O2 reference circuit, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. Can I drive my 2016 GMC Sierra with the P1160 code active?

While it may be possible to drive, it is not recommended as the issue can lead to poor performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to other components.

5. How do you diagnose the P1160 code on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosis involves checking the NOx sensor, inspecting the circuit wiring and connectors for damage, and using a diagnostic scanner to verify the fault.

6. What repairs are needed for a P1160 code?

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

7. How much does it cost to fix the P1160 code on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Costs can vary but typically range from $200 to $600, depending on whether the NOx sensor or wiring needs replacement.

8. Will clearing the P1160 code fix the problem?

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

9. What tools are needed to fix the P1160 code?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for circuit testing, and potentially a NOx sensor socket for removal and installation.

10. Can a dirty or clogged NOx sensor cause the P1160 code?

Yes, a dirty or malfunctioning NOx sensor can cause the code by sending incorrect voltage signals to the ECM.

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