Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

B0159



DTC B0159

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The ambient air temperature sensor allows the HVAC control module to monitor the temperature of the air surrounding the front of the vehicle. The module applies 5 volts to internal input resistors that are connected to the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor. The module provides ground to the ambient air temperature sensor through the low reference circuit. The HVAC control module monitors the voltage drop across the ambient air temperature sensor and uses the input for automatic control calculations. When the air temperature is cold, the resistance of the sensor is high and the voltage signal is high. When the air temperature is hot, the resistance of the sensor is low and the voltage signal is low.

DTC DESCRIPTOR
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC B0159 Outside Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
- Battery voltage to the HVAC control module is greater than 8.7 volts and less than 16.5 volts.
- The ignition is turned ON.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The HVAC control module determines that the voltage applied to the input for the ambient air temperature sensor is less than 0.09 volts or greater than 4.9 volts.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS
The scan tool displays 10 °C (50 °F) as the value for the Outside Air Temp. Raw parameter.

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE DTC
- The DTC will become history if the HVAC control module no longer detects the condition that set the DTC.
- The history DTC will clear after 100 fault free ignition cycles.
- The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
If the condition is not present, refer to Diagnostic Aids for Circuit Testing and Wiring Repair procedures.

TEST DESCRIPTION

Steps 1 - 11:




The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
2. This step verifies that the condition that set the DTC is present.