Buick Regal: DTC B0163

Diagnostic Instructions

• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B0163

Passenger Compartment Temperature Sensor Circuit

For symptom byte information, refer to Symptom Byte List.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit/System Description

The ambient light/sunload sensor integrates the sunload sensor and passenger compartment temperature sensor into a single assembly.

The solar sensor is connected to a low reference and a 5 V biased (pull up) signal circuit voltage from the HVAC control module. As the sunload increases, the sensor signal voltage decreases. The signal varies between 0.1 - 4.9 V and is provided to the HVAC control module.

The passenger compartment temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. A signal and low reference circuit enable the sensor to operate. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. The sensor signal varies between 0 - 5 V.

Bright or high intensity light causes the vehicle interior temperature to increase. The HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle.

Conditions for Running the DTC

• Ignition ON.
• The HVAC control module is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B0163 02

The HVAC control module detects the sensor signal out of range. The signal voltage is less than 0.1 V for more than 50 ms.

B0163 05

The HVAC control module detects the sensor signal out of range. The signal voltage is greater than 4.9 V for more than 50 ms.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The system operates using a default value.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The sensor signal is within specified range between 0.1 - 4.9 V.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

HVAC Wiring Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End View Index

Description and Operation

Automatic HVAC Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

• Circuit Testing
• Connector Repairs
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B10B Ambient Light/Sunload Sensor. It may take up to 10 min for all vehicle systems to power down.

NOTE: The scan tool must be disconnected from the vehicle before performing the next test.

2. Test for less than 10 Ω between the low reference circuit terminal 6 and ground.

• If 10 Ω or greater

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the K33 HVAC Control Module.
2. Test for less than 2 Ω in the low reference circuit end to end.
   • If 2 Ω or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
   • If less than 2 Ω, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.

• Go to next step: If less than 10 Ω

3. Ignition ON.

4. Verify the scan tool Passenger Compartment Air Temperature (Unfiltered) parameter is less than -37ºC (-35ºF).

• If -37ºC (-35ºF) or greater

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the K33 HVAC Control Module.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 3 and ground.
   • If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
   • If infinite resistance, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.

• Go to next step: If less than -37ºC (-35ºF)

5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the low reference circuit terminal 6.

6. Verify the scan tool Passenger Compartment Air Temperature (Unfiltered) parameter is greater than 113ºC (235ºF).

• If 113ºC (235ºF) or less

1. Ignition OFF, remove the jumper wire and disconnect the harness connectors at the K33 HVAC Control Module, ignition ON.
2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.
   • If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
   • Go to next step: If less than 1 V
3. Ignition OFF.
4. Test for less than 2 Ω in the signal circuit end to end.
   • If 2 Ω or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
   • If less than 2 Ω, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.

• Go to next step: If greater than 113ºC (235ºF)

7. Test or replace the B10B Ambient Light/Sunload Sensor.

8. Verify DTC B0163 does not set or the symptom does not occur while operating the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

• If the DTC or symptom is not corrected.

Replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.

• Go to next step: If the DTC or symptom is corrected.

9. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

• HVAC Component Replacement Reference
• Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, programming and setup

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