What Does B0333 Mean?
This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) or climate control module has detected an open circuit in the outside air temperature sensor circuit. The sensor, which monitors ambient temperature for climate control and sometimes instrument cluster display, is either disconnected, has failed internally with an open element, or has a break in its wiring or connector. The module expected to see a specific voltage range corresponding to temperature but instead detected an out-of-range high or low voltage indicating an open circuit.
Common Causes
45%
Failed outside air temperature sensor with internal open circuit
30%
Corroded, damaged, or disconnected wiring connector at sensor
15%
Broken or chafed wire in sensor circuit harness
10%
Corrosion or fault at BCM connector terminal for sensor circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Locate the outside air temperature sensor (typically mounted behind front bumper or grille area). Perform visual inspection of sensor and connector for obvious damage, corrosion, water intrusion, or disconnection.
2
Step 2: Using a digital multimeter, measure resistance across the sensor terminals with connector disconnected. Compare reading to temperature-to-resistance chart for your vehicle (typical thermistor sensors show 2-10k ohms at ambient temperature). Infinite resistance confirms failed sensor.
3
Step 3: If sensor resistance is normal, check continuity of both signal and ground wires from sensor connector back to BCM using wiring diagram. Look for opens, shorts to ground, or shorts to power. Wiggle harness while testing to identify intermittent breaks.
4
Step 4: Inspect BCM connector terminals for corrosion, bent pins, or pushed-back terminals that could create open circuit. Clean and repair as needed.
5
Step 5: If all wiring and connections test good, substitute a known-good sensor or reinstall original sensor and monitor live data with scan tool to verify proper temperature reading and code clearing. Verify BCM is properly grounded if issues persist.
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $350
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) or climate control module has detected an open circuit in the outside air temperature sensor circuit. The sensor, which monitors ambient temperature for climate control and sometimes instrument cluster display, is either disco...
The most common cause of B0333 (Outside Air Temperature Sensor Open) is: Failed outside air temperature sensor with internal open circuit
Typical repair costs for B0333 range from $75 to $350, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to continue driving. This fault does not affect vehicle safety or drivability, but may cause inaccurate automatic climate control operation and incorrect temperature display on instrument cluster. Repair at convenience but address promptly to maintain proper HVAC function.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B0333 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Climate Control / HVAC
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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