Error Code P2160: What It Means & What To Do?

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See the error code P2160 flashing? Don’t know how to comprehend and treat it? Parts Avatar has a solution! This OBD-II code transmission may not shift properly is determined as a vehicle speed sensor "B" circuit low. The engine control module (ECM) is informed by the vehicle speed sensor about how fast the vehicle is going. This information is transmitted to the speedometer where the road speed is exhibited in miles per hour or kilometers per hour. Apart from this, this crucial information is usually shared with various vehicle systems including the transmission, ABS, traction control and power steering. This code P2160 is stored by the PCM when a wrong or irrational reading is identified.

It should be noted that the engine control module (ECM) receives the vehicle speed information from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Also, the vehicle speed sensor is a permanent magnet generator. This sensor is positioned over the transfer case that is front of the rear internal gear folded to the output shaft assembly. The toothed rotor of the internal gear produces AC voltage as the rotor teeth passes through the magnetic field of the sensor when the output shaft and internal gear rotate. As the speed of the vehicle increases, the AC voltage level and the number of pulses increase too. The voltage is converted to the vehicle speed by the engine control module. The output shaft speed signal is used by the ECM to ascertain the shift timing along with the transfer case range.

What causes this problem with the Vehicle Speed Sensor B Low Input?

Here we have listed all the possible causes of this error code:

• Excessive amounts of metal debris accumulated on speed sensor/s
• A damaged wheel speed or vehicle speed sensor
• Disconnected or damaged wiring harnesses or connectors (particularly near speed sensors)
• Distorted teeth on a reluctor ring
• A malfunctioning PCM, ABCM, or EBCM

1. Speed Sensor/s - Wondering on how to treat the error code P2160? Well, it could be showing up again and again due to problems in your speed sensors. Not only the code is triggered but also you may notice problems like harsh shifting and an illuminated check engine light. Tune into Parts Avatar for your new speed sensors.
2. Wiring Harnesses - Experiencing a failure in the spark plugs? This could be really harmful as such a fault triggers misfires and a poor fuel economy. Now you can fix your error code P2160 by simply fixing your wiring harnesses. Log in now!
3. Reluctor Ring - Can’t start the car or experiencing a no-start condition? Yes, it could all be due to your broken reluctor ring. Parts Avatar, your one stop shopping destination has it all! Tune in now!
4. Powertrain Control Module - Often regarded as the brain of the system, this essential unit if malfunctioning can trigger a lot of problems including engine stalls, low acceleration and a rough idle. Now get your error code fixed right away with us by simply logging into Parts Avatar.
5. Electronic Brake Control Module - Alarmed? ABS light illuminated? ABS or traction control system failure? All these problems just because of your faulty electronic brake control module. Get your error code fixed right away with Parts Avatar in order to avoid expensive after repairs.

Want to know the symptoms to OBD code P2160? If yes, then you have arrived at the right place. We at Parts Avatar have listed out few common symptoms associated with vehicle speed sensor B low input:

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of the P2160 code include:

• Irregular operations of the speedometer/odometer
• At times, erratic transmission shift patterns
• An illuminated service engine soon lamp, traction control lamp, or anti lock brake lamp
• Unexplained/sudden activation/deactivation of the traction control system (if equipped)
• Storage of other transmission and ABS codes
• In some cases, a failure in the ABS system

Have a look at some ways with which you can correct the P2160 code:

• Repair or replace a damaged wheel speed or vehicle speed sensor
• All the metal debris accumulated on speed sensor/s should be cleaned
• A defective powertrain control module should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible
• All the wires and connectors associated with the speed sensors that are damaged or shorted should be changed or mended
• Broken teeth on a reluctor ring should be mended or restored
• Fix a malfunctioning ABCM or EBCM if required

There is no need to get strained if your OBD Code is still flashing up as we are here at your service. Have a look at our superior wiring harnesses power control module and transmission fluid. Now all your problems would vanish within no time.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this P2160 fault code:

• Firstly a visual inspection should be performed system wiring, speed sensors, and connectors. All the ones that are open or short circuited should be repaired or replaced. Clean all the excessive metallic debris from effected sensors.
• Next, the reluctor ring integrity while probing the sensor should be repaired or replaced if damaged. The scanner should be connected to the vehicle diagnostic port to restore all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data available. It is advised to register all the information as it may prove to be extremely helpful while performing the diagnosis.
• Next, utilizing the vehicle information source, all the applicable technical service bulletins (TSB) should be searched. If a TSB that parallels the symptoms and stored codes of the vehicle are found, it should be noted that the diagnostic information contained therein is likely to help in diagnosing the P2160 further.
• All the scanner data restored should be used to observe the wheel speed and vehicle speed while test driving the vehicle. It is advised to narrow the data stream so that only relevant fields are displayed in order to increase the speed and accuracy at which the desired data is delivered.
• One should be careful as all the inaccurate or irregular readings from VSS or wheel speed sensors are likely to lead you to wiring, electrical connector, or sensor problems by narrowing the mainstream area of the system malfunction.
• Now that you have found the VSS circuit from which the low voltage input has been introduced, employ the DVOM to perform a resistance test on the sensor. The vehicle information source for the manufacturer’s recommendation for testing the VSS should be consulted. Replace or repair the sensors that do not match with specifications.
• An oscilloscope should be used to restore live data from each individual VSS by testing the sensor signal wire and the sensor ground wire. In order to perform this type of testing properly, jacking or hoisting the vehicle will almost always be essential. Run up the drivetrain while observing the waveform pattern on the oscilloscope after the drive axle/s have been safely secured off the ground.
• It is recommended to concentrate on misfires or inconsistencies in the pattern and proceed with the diagnosis accordingly.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2160 code

We have listed here a few common mistakes that should be avoided:

The most common mistake committed by the mechanic is overlooking the minor repairs while concentrating mainly on the major repairs. It is advised to carefully inspect all the minor details before jumping on the major ones. This could help in saving time as well as your hard earned money.