AutoCodes – GMC – P2161 2017 GMC Sierra

P2161 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent

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: P2161 2017 GMC Sierra indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent.
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 1,184

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
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P2161 2017 GMC Sierra 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 a loss of speed signal from the transfer case speed sensor.

OBDII Code P2161 2017 GMC Sierra - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent - AutoCodes.com — P2161 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2161 2017 GMC Sierra?

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 P2161 2017 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 P2161 2017 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 P2161 2017 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2161 2017 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 P2161 2017 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

The common symptoms of code P2161 include issues with the vehicle speedometer accuracy, erratic speedometer readings, and potential illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What does the OBDII code P2161 indicate in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra specifically points to a problem with the Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent.

3. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

The common causes of code P2161 include a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the vehicle speed sensor circuit, or a malfunctioning instrument cluster.

4. How serious is OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

While code P2161 may not cause immediate drivability issues, it can affect the accuracy of the speedometer readings and potentially impact other vehicle systems relying on speed sensor data.

5. How can I diagnose OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosing code P2161 involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault code, inspecting the vehicle speed sensor and its wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's output signal.

6. Can I continue driving my 2017 GMC Sierra with OBDII code P2161?

It is generally not recommended to continue driving with an unresolved OBDII code like P2161, as it can lead to inaccuracies in speed readings and potentially affect other vehicle systems.

7. How can I repair OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

The typical repair involves replacing the faulty vehicle speed sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors in the speed sensor circuit, and clearing the fault code with a diagnostic scanner.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to replace the vehicle speed sensor themselves, diagnosing and repairing electrical issues related to code P2161 may require professional expertise.

9. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P2161 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

The cost of repairing code P2161 can vary depending on the labor rates in your area, the price of the replacement parts needed, and whether you choose to go to a dealership or an independent mechanic.

10. Is it common for the Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent issue to recur in a 2017 GMC Sierra after repair?

If the root cause of the problem is not properly addressed during the repair, there is a possibility that the Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent issue may recur in a 2017 GMC Sierra.