AutoCodes – GMC – P1160 GMC

P1160 GMC 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 GMC 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 352

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 GMC 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 GMC - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com — P1160 GMC Code - O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1160 GMC?

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 GMC?

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 GMC 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 GMC code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1160 GMC code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific GMC Models

P1160 2014 GMC Sierra — O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P1160 2015 GMC Sierra — O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P1160 2016 GMC Sierra — O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P1160 2017 GMC Sierra — O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P1160 2018 GMC Sierra — O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

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 GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1160 in a GMC related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Common symptoms include poor engine performance, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential issues with the exhaust system.

2. What are the typical causes of OBDII code P1160 GMC related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

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

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1160 GMC related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the error code, checking the NOx sensor for proper operation, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the sensor heater circuit.

4. Can I continue driving with OBDII code P1160 related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) without immediate repair?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code unresolved, as it can lead to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to other components.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P1160 GMC related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Repairs may involve replacing the NOx sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, addressing issues with the PCM, or fixing any problems with the sensor heater.

6. Are there any DIY tips for addressing OBDII code P1160 related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- DIY tips may include checking the sensor connections for tightness, inspecting the sensor for physical damage, and ensuring the wiring is not corroded or frayed.

7. How critical is it to address OBDII code P1160 GMC related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) promptly?

- It is important to address this code promptly to prevent potential damage to other engine components, ensure optimal fuel efficiency, and reduce harmful emissions.

8. Can a faulty NOx sensor cause OBDII code P1160 GMC related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Yes, a faulty NOx sensor can trigger this code due to issues with the O2 reference voltage circuit and high voltage readings.

9. What role does the NOx sensor play in the O2 reference voltage circuit, leading to OBDII code P1160 GMC?

- The NOx sensor measures the level of nitrogen oxide in the exhaust and provides feedback to the PCM, which can affect the O2 reference voltage circuit and trigger the high voltage fault.

10. How can a professional mechanic help in diagnosing and repairing OBDII code P1160 related to the O2 Reference Voltage Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) in a GMC?

- A professional mechanic has the tools, expertise, and experience to accurately diagnose the issue, perform necessary repairs or replacements, and ensure the problem is resolved effectively to prevent further issues.