This fault code indicates an open circuit in the refrigerant temperature sensor signal circuit at the inlet or outlet of the plate heat exchanger (chiller, battery cooler) — Atto 3
This fault code indicates an open circuit in the refrigerant temperature sensor signal circuit at the inlet or outlet of the plate heat exchanger (chiller, battery cooler).
The sensor is an NTC thermistor that monitors the temperature of the refrigerant exchanging heat with the battery coolant, serving as a key feedback component in the BYD thermal management system.
The ECU monitors this temperature to adjust the electronic expansion valve opening and electric compressor speed, precisely controlling the battery pack temperature.
When the ECU detects the sensor signal voltage continuously exceeding the upper threshold (typically the 5V reference voltage, indicating an open circuit), it sets an open circuit fault.
The thermal management system consequently loses precise control over battery cooling and heating.
This failure may trigger the battery thermal management protection strategy, forcing the vehicle into power limitation mode (limp mode), disabling fast charging, or triggering a high coolant temperature warning.
Extreme cases pose a risk of battery thermal runaway.
- 1Internal open circuit in the sensor body: Prolonged exposure to high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant ages the plate heat exchanger refrigerant temperature sensor (NTC thermistor). This breaks the internal resistor element, causing infinite resistance.
- 2Loose harness connector or backed-out pins: The sensor connector in the high-temperature, high-vibration area of the front compartment (usually a 2-pin plug) loosens due to a failed retaining clip or improper assembly, or female terminals back out or spread due to repeated plugging and unplugging.
- 3Physical damage to the wiring harness: Vibration and friction damage the insulation and cause internal copper wire fatigue fractures where the harness section between the engine compartment and the chassis passes through the firewall, frame mounting holes, or along the battery pack edges; or repair work crushes or cuts the wiring harness.
- 4Refrigerant leak corrosion: An aging sealing ring at the plate heat exchanger connection causes a slight refrigerant leak. A mixture of liquid refrigerant and refrigerant oil seeps into the sensor threaded connection, corroding the internal sensor circuit and causing an open circuit.
- 5Connector oxidation: In water wading or high-humidity environments, poor sensor connector sealing causes pin oxidation or electrolytic corrosion, resulting in a high-resistance open circuit.
- 1Fault confirmation and freeze frame analysis: Use VDS or a BYD dedicated diagnostic tool to read the DTC freeze frame data. Record the vehicle speed, battery temperature, ambient temperature, and air conditioning status at the time of the fault. Determine if the fault is current or historical. Check for accompanying thermal management system fault codes (e.g., electronic expansion valve or compressor faults).
- 2Visual and wiring inspection: Raise the vehicle. Inspect the sensor at the plate heat exchanger (located in the front compartment, near the battery coolant pipes) for deformation or oil leaks. Trace the wiring harness routing and inspect for wear, damaged insulation, or burn marks. Focus on the firewall pass-through and harness retaining clips.
- 3Sensor body resistance measurement: Disconnect the sensor connector and use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the sensor terminals. At normal temperature (25°C), the standard resistance is typically 2kΩ-10kΩ (refer to the repair manual for exact specifications). Replace the sensor if the reading shows infinity (OL) or deviates significantly from the standard curve.
- 4Harness continuity test: Disconnect the connector at the thermal management controller (or the relevant module integrated into the air conditioning controller). Measure the harness continuity resistance between the sensor plug and the controller; resistance must be less than 1 Ω. Measure the resistance to ground; it must be greater than 10 MΩ (to rule out a short to ground). If an open circuit exists, repair or replace the harness.
- 5Connector pin inspection: Inspect the male and female sensor connector pins for oxidation, blackening, terminal push-out, deformation, or enlarged sockets. Clean the pins with electrical contact cleaner. If necessary, use a terminal removal tool to repair the pins or replace the connector housing. Verify the sealing ring is intact.
- 6Sensor replacement and refrigerant system handling: If the sensor is faulty, first recover the refrigerant from the air conditioning system. Use the special tool to remove the old sensor (note the thread seal). Replace the sealing washer, install the new sensor, and tighten to the specified torque (typically 15-20 N·m). Evacuate the system for at least 30 minutes to a vacuum below -95 kPa. Recharge with the standard amount of refrigerant and refrigerant oil.
- 7Function verification and road test: Clear the fault code, start the vehicle, and turn on the A/C cooling mode. Read the data stream to verify the plate heat exchanger refrigerant temperature sensor value drops normally during compressor operation (normal range: -10°C to 50°C). Perform a fast charging test. Confirm the battery thermal management system engages normally and does not generate new fault codes.
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