B0162 code meaning
Sun Load Sensor 2 Circuit
What B0162 means
No public carmaker source and no publicly available J2012 list covers B0162. The title implies a second sun load channel, as used for dual-zone climate control: Eaton's patent US5957375A describes a sensor that sees how much sun reaches separate areas of the cabin so each side can be cooled on its own. US6888120B2 achieves this with two lenses and two photodiodes split by an opaque section, one for the driver and one for the passenger side. GM, by contrast, covers its whole multi-zone sensor with one code, B0183, in the 2011 Saab 9-4X; if no value is available the module assumes 0 W/m², 45° elevation and −75° azimuth. Losing the second channel leaves one side poorly compensated.
B0162 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0162
- One side of the cabin gets too warm in sun while the other is fine
- Dual-zone automatic reacts to sunshine only on one side
Common causes of B0162
- Most likelySecond photodiode or channel of a dual-zone sun sensor failed
- PossibleConnector of the sensor in the dash top cover loose or damaged
- Less likelySignal wire of the second channel open or shorted
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Sun load sensor 2Hvac control module
What each part of B0162 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). |
| 62 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0162 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 B0162
What does B0162 mean?
B0162 means "Sun Load Sensor 2 Circuit". No public carmaker source and no publicly available J2012 list covers B0162. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0162?
B0162 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0162 fail an emissions test?
B0162 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 B0162 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0162 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.