B0160 code meaning
In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor Circuit
What B0160 means
B0160 is not among the publicly available J2012 entries, and no maker publishes it with this meaning; a similar title belongs to B0250. The in-car sensor tells automatic climate control the actual cabin temperature. To read real cabin air it is usually aspirated: Denso's patent US20040016537A1 draws cabin air across the sensor with an aspirator fed by the HVAC case, so air keeps flowing in every mode. Manufacturers use other numbers for this circuit. In GM's Global A system, as in the 2011 Saab 9-5, B0163 covers the passenger compartment sensor with limits of 0.1 and 4.9 V. Older Saab 9-3 models use B0165 when the input drops below 0.2 V (grounded) and B0166 for an open.
B0160 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0160
- Automatic climate control overheats or overcools the cabin
- Blower speed does not settle as the cabin reaches the set temperature
Common causes of B0160
- Most likelyThermistor in the in-car sensor open or shorted
- PossibleSensor plug behind the dash or headliner loose or corroded
- Less likelySignal or reference wire damaged during interior work
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
In vehicle temperature sensorHvac control module
What each part of B0160 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 60 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0160 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0160
What does B0160 mean?
B0160 means "In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor Circuit". B0160 is not among the publicly available J2012 entries, and no maker publishes it with this meaning; a similar title belongs to B0250. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0160?
B0160 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0160 fail an emissions test?
B0160 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0160 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0160 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.