Can anyone give me a little hint as to where I may find the outside temp sensor under the hood of my 2000 C5. Most of time the indicator on the inside reads 30-40 degrees below actual outside temperture, and yet (rarely) it seems to be accurate. I was wondering if something is obstructing the sensor or a connection is loose. Since i don't know where to find the sensor or temp bulb, I don't know where to start troubleshooting. Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Doug

 

These have been known to fail but are cheap and easy to replace. It's under the passenger-side front fascia.

 

Mine wasn't easy to replace...had to remove the entire fascia, took 4 hours start to finish, but then I'm not very good at this stuff.

 

Removing the screws that attach the radiator shroud to the fascia on the passenger side eases access to the sensor. Then remove the connector and then the pushpin that attaches it to the radiator support. Several guys here have done it this way with no problems.

 

Mine is acurate to within 15 degrees or so. Not bad for a 55k dollar car.

 

mine says 68 degrees all the time. i replaced the sensor and it still says 68degrees. WTF

 

You must live in "Perfect Town".

Actually, another member was having a similar problem a while back and he discovered that the connector to the sensor was internally corroded. He replaced the connector and it worked properly after that. May want to check your connector closely for starters.

 

Thanks fellows. I appreciate the info. I'm not so sure I want to tear the front end off a car just to find out the sensor is not the problem. I'll save it for a winter project. Sounds like I'm not the only one having the temperture problems!

 

Yep, I was having that problem. Patches is right, inspect the connectors before you do anything and if you're replacing the sensor, make sure the connector is cleaned up before installing the new sensor. Amazing how a little corrosion can create big problems!

 

When I got my new 2003 the temp was off 7 to 9 degrees. Off the banks clocks/temp signs, off the radio and off my wifes Lexus. The dealer replaced it and it is now within 1 or 2 degrees all the time.

 

This sensor is close to the ground where heat radiates from the pavement. They are probably correct considering their location.

 

Wow. Lots of extra work going on here. Yes, it is somewhat of a pain to get to, but I can change it with my big fat hands. The previous poster is also correct about corrosion on the connector being a possible problem. Also remember that you have to be driving for the sensor to "come alive". I believe it is 3 minutes and a couple miles (but don't quote me). Mine comes alive at EXACTLY the same place in my neighborhood as I'm heading out to the highway.

Now: how to change it! Lets assume you know where it is. (Its also only about $8 at your dealer). Lay down in front of the car and locate the sensor tip sticking through the shroud. The sensor is held in place by a plastic "push-pin" who's head is on the inside of the shroud. Carefully push the pin up into the shroud to give you something to grab (on the inside). Now get up, pop the hood and look down along the shroud on the passenger side. You will see the sensor and the head of the pin that you just loosened. You can reach down and grab it!!!!! Once you pull the pin out there is enough slack in the wire to bring the sensor into your easy grasp. In other words, change the sensor from under the hood. If you have to replace the connector, just clip and splice the 2 wires.

PS - my wife was watching me reaching down under the hood and started laughing that it looked like I was "humping the front wheel" as I had my whole arm down by the shroud and was "working" it. I'll leave the rest of that visual to you!

 

RCK1999 is right, extremely easy to change out! I had to change mine out two weeks ago for reading too low and got one at GMPARTSDIRECT for $11 delivered. I did in about two minutes in my dress white work shirt, no need to lie on the ground. Open hood, reach down between the front hood edge and front facia and pull up on the sensor. The mount will give without breaking/damage. Unclip sensor, reinstall.

 

What? It takes 10 mins to change it. You don't have to remove anything. I could easily get to it from above. The sensor is inexpensive, even from the dealer.