What does B0160 mean on a Chevy?

B0160. Outside air temperature sensor circuit voltage is low. The HVAC module sees an implausible ambient reading and sets a body warning. Applies to Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saturn models that use this code.

What causes B0160 on a Chevy?

Outside air temperature sensor signal circuit shorted to ground Outside air temperature sensor element shorted internally Corroded outside air temperature sensor connector pulling the signal low Water intrusion in the outside air temperature sensor connector Faulty input inside the HVAC control module

How do I fix B0160 on a Chevy?

Confirm the code with a scan tool and read the outside air temperature sensor voltage Unplug the outside air temperature sensor and see whether the signal returns to bias voltage Inspect the outside air temperature sensor connector for corrosion and water Test the outside air temperature sensor signal circuit for a short to ground Replace the outside air temperature sensor only if the signal stays low with the circuit open, then clear the code and retest

Code

B0160

Outside air temperature sensor circuit voltage is low

Category: Body
Severity: Body Warning Light
Applies to: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saturn models that use this code
Related: No single generic twin. See OBD Codes List

What it means

B0160. Outside air temperature sensor circuit voltage is low. The HVAC module sees an implausible ambient reading and sets a body warning. This Chevy-enhanced code applies to Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saturn models that use this code.

Findings, check these first

Outside air temperature sensor signal circuit shorted to ground
Outside air temperature sensor element shorted internally
Corroded outside air temperature sensor connector pulling the signal low
Water intrusion in the outside air temperature sensor connector
Faulty input inside the HVAC control module

Standard procedure

Confirm the code with a scan tool and read the outside air temperature sensor voltage
Unplug the outside air temperature sensor and see whether the signal returns to bias voltage
Inspect the outside air temperature sensor connector for corrosion and water
Test the outside air temperature sensor signal circuit for a short to ground
Replace the outside air temperature sensor only if the signal stays low with the circuit open, then clear the code and retest

Look up another code

Press / to jump to the box. Chevy-enhanced powertrain, body, chassis and network codes.

Sources and review

Review: qualified. Read the source limits below.

Code B0160 definition | OBDII.pro
live manufacturer definition (obdii.pro)
Supports: GM manufacturer meaning for B0160
Fetched directly. The GM entry is the brand-family meaning used here. This site is independent of engine-codes and autocodes.
B0160 CHEVROLET Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High | Engine-Codes.com
archived reference page (engine-codes.com via Wayback Machine)
Supports: Chevrolet meaning and possible causes
Fetched directly. Model and year fitment remain curator claims.
B0160 CHEVROLET Ambient Air Temperature Sensor High | AutoCodes.com
archived reference page (autocodes.com via Wayback Machine)
Supports: corroboration of Chevrolet meaning and causes
Same Chevrolet text as the engine-codes page (both sites share one publisher).

Review note: obdii.pro GM says the outside air temperature circuit is low; the archive says the sensor reads high. The sources disagree on direction

Last updated 2026-10-10.

Report a correction for B0160. Include your vehicle, the issue and a source if you have one.