AutoCodes – GMC – P2160 GMC

P2160 GMC 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 GMC 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.

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Code Popularity 3,007

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
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P2160 GMC 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 GMC - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P2160 GMC Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2160 GMC?

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 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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

User Submitted Video

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P2160 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 P2160 GMC code?

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Information for Specific GMC Models

P2160 2014 GMC Sierra — Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage
P2160 2015 GMC Sierra — Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage
P2160 2016 GMC Sierra — Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage
P2160 2017 GMC Sierra — Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage
P2160 2018 GMC Sierra — Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage

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 GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P2160 GMC (Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage)?

- Common symptoms include issues with the vehicle's speedometer, erratic speedometer readings, trouble shifting gears, and possible illumination of the check engine light.

2. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P2160 GMC?

- The code P2160 indicates a low voltage condition in the Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 circuit, which can be caused by a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a malfunctioning instrument cluster.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P2160 GMC?

- Diagnosing the code involves checking the vehicle speed sensor for proper operation, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the voltage signal from the sensor using a multimeter.

4. Can a faulty vehicle speed sensor cause other issues besides triggering OBDII code P2160 GMC?

- Yes, a malfunctioning vehicle speed sensor can also lead to poor fuel economy, inaccurate speed readings, ABS system problems, and issues with cruise control functionality.

5. What are some repair tips for addressing OBDII code P2160 GMC?

- Repair tips may include replacing the faulty vehicle speed sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, clearing the trouble codes, and conducting a test drive to ensure the issue has been resolved.

6. Can I continue driving my vehicle with OBDII code P2160 GMC present?

- It is generally not recommended to continue driving with the code present, as it can lead to further damage and potential safety issues. It's best to address the underlying problem as soon as possible.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P2160 GMC?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the code, but it may involve expenses for parts such as a new vehicle speed sensor and labor fees for diagnostic testing and installation.

8. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P2160 GMC without fixing the underlying issue?

- While clearing the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, the underlying issue causing OBDII code P2160 will persist until properly diagnosed and repaired.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the occurrence of OBDII code P2160 GMC?

- Extreme weather conditions, such as very low temperatures, can potentially impact the vehicle speed sensor's performance and contribute to triggering the code P2160 due to changes in electrical conductivity.

10. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P2160 GMC in the future?

- Regular vehicle maintenance, including checking the condition of the vehicle speed sensor and related components, inspecting wiring for damage, and addressing any issues promptly, can help prevent the recurrence of OBDII code P2160 GMC.