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P1160 Cadillac 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 Cadillac 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 436

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 Mar 29, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1160 Cadillac 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 Cadillac - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com — P1160 Cadillac Code - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1160 Cadillac?

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 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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1160 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 P1160 Cadillac Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P1160 in a Cadillac related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, decreased engine performance, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What can cause the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage fault code P1160 in a Cadillac?

- Possible causes include a faulty NOx sensor, wiring issues in the O2 sensor circuit, a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM), or a problem with the NOx sensor heater.

3. How can I diagnose the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage fault code P1160 in my Cadillac?

- Diagnosis typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the NOx sensor and its wiring for damage, and checking the PCM for any related faults.

4. Can a bad NOx sensor cause the P1160 code in a Cadillac?

- Yes, a faulty NOx sensor is a common culprit for triggering the P1160 code, as it may not be providing accurate readings to the PCM.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage fault code P1160 in a Cadillac?

- Repair tips may include replacing the NOx sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring in the O2 sensor circuit, and ensuring proper connection of the sensor to the PCM.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my Cadillac with the P1160 fault code illuminated?

- It is generally not recommended to continue driving with the P1160 code present, as it can lead to further engine issues and potentially affect vehicle performance.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage fault code P1160 in a Cadillac?

- The cost of repairs can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from $200 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the P1160 fault code in my Cadillac using an OBDII scanner?

- Yes, you can use an OBDII scanner to clear the fault code after making necessary repairs. However, if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code may reappear.

9. Will the P1160 fault code in my Cadillac affect emissions performance?

- Yes, the P1160 code is related to the NOx sensor, which plays a role in monitoring emissions. Ignoring the issue can lead to increased emissions and potential environmental impact.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage fault code P1160 in a Cadillac?

- The repair time can vary based on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts. In general, it may take a few hours to a day for a skilled technician to diagnose and fix the problem.