What does B0188 mean on a Chevy?

B0188. Right side solar load sensor circuit malfunction. The HVAC module cannot read sun load on that side and sets a body warning. Applies to Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saturn models that use this code.

What causes B0188 on a Chevy?

Failed right side solar load sensor Open or short in the right side solar load sensor signal circuit Corroded or loose right side solar load sensor connector Dirty or obstructed right side solar load sensor lens Faulty input inside the HVAC control module

How do I fix B0188 on a Chevy?

Confirm the code with a scan tool and watch the right side solar load sensor reading Inspect and reseat the right side solar load sensor connector Clean the right side solar load sensor lens and remove anything shading it Test the right side solar load sensor and its signal circuit against the service chart Replace the right side solar load sensor only if the reading stays wrong in direct sun, then clear the code and retest

Code

B0188

Right side solar load sensor circuit malfunction

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

B0188. Right side solar load sensor circuit malfunction. The HVAC module cannot read sun load on that side 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

Failed right side solar load sensor
Open or short in the right side solar load sensor signal circuit
Corroded or loose right side solar load sensor connector
Dirty or obstructed right side solar load sensor lens
Faulty input inside the HVAC control module

Standard procedure

Confirm the code with a scan tool and watch the right side solar load sensor reading
Inspect and reseat the right side solar load sensor connector
Clean the right side solar load sensor lens and remove anything shading it
Test the right side solar load sensor and its signal circuit against the service chart
Replace the right side solar load sensor only if the reading stays wrong in direct sun, 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: checked against the recorded source material.

Code B0188 definition | OBDII.pro
live manufacturer definition (obdii.pro)
Supports: GM manufacturer meaning for B0188
Fetched directly. The GM entry is the brand-family meaning used here. This site is independent of engine-codes and autocodes.
B0188 CHEVROLET Right Sunload Sensor | 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.
B0188 CHEVROLET Right Sunload Sensor | 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).

Last updated 2026-10-10.

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