External Temperature Sensor malfunction.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Nashville Tennessee
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External Temperature Sensor malfunction.
It's very confused. Most mornings, it thinks the outside temperatue is 58. Dyslexia apparently, it's more like 85, according to the radio. Sometimes, it will get to the actual temperature by the time I get to work. Sometimes not.
I've looked at my ALLDATA stuff, and all it tells me is how much the part costs and the labor to install it. Not much, about $80.00 total. No information about where the little devil is located. Couldn't find a thread here about it, either.
I have the impression that the AC doesn't go into high gear when it's hotter than blazes but the exterior temp indicator is telling "something" (a computer somewhere?) that it's 58 when it's actually 98. I'm figuring that if the AC computer needs this data to be accurate to work correctly, my extended warranty will cover the repair. Does anyone know if it does use it?
Secondarily, does anyone know where the heck the sensor is? I'm thinking maybe it's just gunked up or a wire is loose, maybe? If I could find it, I could at least satisfy my curiosity on this score. :confused:
Knowledgeable help, as always, will be greatly appreciated.
:)
I've looked at my ALLDATA stuff, and all it tells me is how much the part costs and the labor to install it. Not much, about $80.00 total. No information about where the little devil is located. Couldn't find a thread here about it, either.
I have the impression that the AC doesn't go into high gear when it's hotter than blazes but the exterior temp indicator is telling "something" (a computer somewhere?) that it's 58 when it's actually 98. I'm figuring that if the AC computer needs this data to be accurate to work correctly, my extended warranty will cover the repair. Does anyone know if it does use it?
Secondarily, does anyone know where the heck the sensor is? I'm thinking maybe it's just gunked up or a wire is loose, maybe? If I could find it, I could at least satisfy my curiosity on this score. :confused:
Knowledgeable help, as always, will be greatly appreciated.
:)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 31
From: Waco TX
Re: External Temperature Sensor malfunction. (decay)
The external temp sensor is located in the right front corner of the car, under the front fascia somewhere. I'm not exactly sure where it is, but I just had mine replaced at the dealer, and it cost about $65. Hope this helps.
Michael
Michael
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,995
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: External Temperature Sensor malfunction. (gasman29)
You can see the sensor when the hood is open. Its located on the radiator shroud in the gap between the right side of the shroud and the frame.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: External Temperature Sensor malfunction. (Bill Dearborn)
Look under the front of the car on the passenger side where the air goes into the radiator. You will see a little plastic probe sticking out which is the sensor. Let me know if you can't find it and I will shoot a digital photo.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 146
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From: Pittsburgh Pa
Re: External Temperature Sensor malfunction. (decay)
I had the same problem. You may need to replace the connector as well due to corrosion of the terminals. When I took off the old sensor one of the male pins broke off and remained in the connector. You can get a replacement connector. You need to cut the old one off (2 wires) and splice in the new.
It is not difficult- just hard to get to if you are 6'-5" and 235 like me. I made the job more difficult by cutting the wires to the wiring harness too short. I had just enough room to make the splice.
Even though I am under extended warranty I did the work myself as I avoid the dealer service experience until last resort. However, if I had it to do over again I would have risked the dealer!
It is not difficult- just hard to get to if you are 6'-5" and 235 like me. I made the job more difficult by cutting the wires to the wiring harness too short. I had just enough room to make the splice.
Even though I am under extended warranty I did the work myself as I avoid the dealer service experience until last resort. However, if I had it to do over again I would have risked the dealer!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 919
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From: Nashville Tennessee
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Re: External Temperature Sensor malfunction. (vettenuts)
vettenuts,
I looked. But, there are way too many wires under there to figure out what's what. If you could post a photo, I would be indebted.
Thanks!
I looked. But, there are way too many wires under there to figure out what's what. If you could post a photo, I would be indebted.
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: External Temperature Sensor malfunction. (decay)
I just did this repair. The sensor is $9 and the connector is $27. If this is covered under your extended warranty make sure they replace both the sensor and the connector. It is very easy to do yourself.
This does get worse eventually the temp will start going below 39 and the A/C compressor shuts off and you will have no cold air at all in fact the heat comes on instead.
This does get worse eventually the temp will start going below 39 and the A/C compressor shuts off and you will have no cold air at all in fact the heat comes on instead.
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