B0158 on 2012-2016 Buick Verano: Outside Air Temperature Malfunction Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2016 Buick VERANO

For the Buick Verano and other vehicles on the GM Delta II platform (like the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt), this is a well-documented issue with multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued. The TSBs (PIC5656 series) specifically guide technicians to check for a disconnected sensor or faults in the wiring, indicating these are the most common failure points rather than a more complex module failure. The problem is common enough that owners on forums and in repair videos for the Chevy Cruze frequently report the exact same symptoms 🎬 Watch: This Cruze walkthrough shows the sensor location and replacement. and fixes.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Outside temperature display is blank, incorrect, or shows a default value (e.g., -40°F).
• Automatic climate control (HVAC) system does not work correctly or only works in manual mode.
• A/C blows warm or hot air on a hot day.
• In some cases, the temperature may display in Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.
• A message on the driver information center may warn of icy conditions, even in warm weather.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ambient Air Temperature Sensor The sensor is located at the front of the vehicle, often behind the grille, making it highly susceptible to damage from road debris, moisture, and front-end impacts. It is a common failure point across many GM models that use the same part.
   How to confirm: After checking wiring, the easiest way to confirm is to replace the sensor. It's an inexpensive part, and testing resistance values requires more effort than the cost 🎬 See how to test sensor resistance and fix A/C issues. of the part warrants for most DIYers. A missing sensor after front-end work is also a common cause.
   Typical fix: Replace the ambient air temperature sensor.
   Est. part cost: $10-$45
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The sensor's location makes its wiring vulnerable to being snagged, cut by road debris, or corroded over time. The official GM TSBs specifically call out checking the wiring integrity as a primary diagnostic step.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the sensor for any signs of breaks, corrosion, or loose pins in the connector. Use a multimeter to check for continuity on circuits 61 and 636 as noted in TSB PIC5656F. Check for damage right at the connector where wires can fatigue and break.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail. The ACDelco pigtail is part number PT2782.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30

Rare But Worth Checking

• Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Fault: While the IPC is what sets the code, it is rarely the source of the problem. All external sensor and wiring checks should be performed thoroughly before considering the IPC as the cause. The TSBs from GM do not list IPC failure as a likely cause.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Confirm the symptom: Check the outside temperature display on the dash or infotainment screen. Note if it is blank, erratic, or showing an illogical number like -40°F.
2. Scan for codes: Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Body (B-codes) to confirm B0158 is stored in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).
3. Locate the sensor: The ambient air temperature sensor is typically located on the driver's side behind the front grille or lower bumper area, pushed into a small hole in the radiator support or a bracket.
4. Inspect sensor and connector: Check for obvious physical damage, corrosion on the connector pins, or a loose connection. Ensure the sensor hasn't simply fallen out of its mounting hole. TSBs PIC5656B and PIC5656F specifically recommend this as a first step.
5. Inspect wiring: Carefully check the two wires leading to the sensor for any cuts, abrasions, or damage from road debris.
6. Test the circuit (optional): If you have a multimeter, you can check for proper voltage and continuity on the two wires running to the sensor (circuits 61 and 636 mentioned in the TSBs).
7. Replace the sensor: If the wiring and connector appear intact, the sensor itself is the most likely culprit. It is usually held in place by a simple clip or plastic tabs and is easy to swap out.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ambient Air Temperature Sensor (OEM #13583411) — This sensor is exposed to the elements and is the most common failure point for code B0158. It provides the outside air temperature reading to the vehicle's computers. This part number is widely used across many GM vehicles.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Dorman, NTK, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $15-$45
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$30
• Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Connector Pigtail (OEM #PT2782) — If the wiring is damaged at the connector, replacing the pigtail is the standard repair. The plastic locking tab can also become brittle and break, leading to a poor connection.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Dorman, Wells
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #PIC5656F (Feb 8, 2019): Outside Ambient Temperature Display Missing and/or HVAC Temperature Displays in Celsius B0158.
• Bulletin #PIC5656E (superseded by F)
• Bulletin #PIC5656D (superseded by E)
• Bulletin #PIC5656C (May, 2014): Superseded PIC5656B to update model years.
• Bulletin #PIC5656B (Aug, 2013): Outside Ambient Temperature Display Missing and/or HVAC Temperature Displays in Celsius B0158.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• GM has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (PIC5656B, PIC5656C, PIC5656E, PIC5656F) for this exact code and symptom across various models, including the 2012-2016 Verano. This indicates a known pattern of failure related to the sensor or its wiring.
• A YouTube video specifically for the Buick Verano shows the sensor located on the driver's side, accessible from underneath the front bumper, next to the grille.
🎬 Watch: How to access and replace the Verano sensor from underneath.
• Owner experiences on platform-mate vehicles like the Chevy Cruze confirm that a missing sensor after front bumper repair is a common cause for this code and the associated symptoms.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Sensor Reference Voltage — expected: ~5.0 Volts DC. Failure: 0V indicates an open/short in the signal circuit from the IPC; significantly different voltage could indicate a wiring issue.
• Sensor Resistance (disconnected) — expected: Resistance varies with temperature. Representative values are: ~10,000 Ω at -40°C/-40°F; ~3,000 Ω at 25°C/77°F.. Failure: Infinite resistance (open circuit) or near-zero resistance (short circuit) indicates a failed sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Dealer Tool): View Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Data — Use this to view the live 'Ambient Air Temperature' parameter being received by the IPC. This helps confirm if the IPC is seeing the same incorrect value (e.g., -40°F) that is being displayed, pointing the diagnosis toward the sensor/wiring rather than the cluster itself.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Circuit 636 — Wire running between the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor and the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).. This is the 5V reference/signal circuit. An open or short on this wire will cause the B0158 code. TSBs specifically instruct technicians to check its integrity.
• Circuit 61 — Wire running between the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor and the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).. This is the low reference (ground) circuit provided by the IPC for the sensor. An open in this wire will prevent the sensor from working and set the code.
• X118 — A connector in the front bumper wiring harness.. This is a likely inline connector for the front bumper harness which includes the ambient temperature sensor. It's a potential point of corrosion or loose connection that could cause an intermittent or total loss of signal.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube - 'AC NOT WORKING 2016 Chevy Cruze' (2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT (platform mate)) — A/C blowing hot air in summer, dash display showed -40°F, and an 'icy conditions' warning message appeared.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially, the A/C was working intermittently, confusing the diagnosis.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner discovered the ambient air temperature sensor was missing entirely following a front bumper replacement. Installing a new $10 sensor into the harness connector and snapping it into the bumper immediately resolved all symptoms.
• YouTube - 'CHEVROLET CRUZE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR LOCATION REPLACEMENT' (2008-2016 Chevrolet Cruze (platform mate)) — Incorrect outside temperature reading.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A comment on the video from a user noted that after replacing the sensor, it took a few hours of driving before the system began to work correctly. This implies the system may have a delay or require a drive cycle to accept the new sensor's readings.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 25775833 → 13583411 — Part consolidation and updates across GM platforms.
  Heads up: While 25775833 may be physically similar, 13583411 is the specified part for this vehicle range and should be used to ensure correct resistance values.