Ambient Temp Reading #&*+@#

[Hank F.]

My outside temp reads -5 when its actually 45. I found the location at the Autozone site, and have to wonder- is the sensor TU or am I leaking freon that is actually cooling it to its' indicated temp.? Has anyone had any experience with this problem? If it is freon, could it actually cool the sensor to -5 from actual temp of 40-60? I don't want to start a plug and pray repair cycle- if I can help it. Thanks p.s.- My freon level isn't high enough to cool the car above an outside temp of 80 degrees. I do not get this.

 

[jelloslug]

If the coolant sensor that the EATC uses is is unplugged you will get odd readings. It's located in the hard pipe coming of of the rear head. If it was a Freon leak it would not effect the amb temp sensor long enough to give you a false reading.

 

[Chuckblvd]

I am not 100% sure but the ambient temp reading comes from the Air intake temp sensor I think and that would cause it to run alittle funny to. The car thinking its -5 when its not would cause it to richin up alittle maybe not to noticable. But If you were leaking feon the AC system is on the other side of the engine compartment on 1st and 2nd gens and I dont belive it would cause that reading.

 

[Aaron R.]

The ambient Temp sensor is located on the Radiator core suport and the air temp sensor for the engine is in the air horn before the trottle body. They both do send thier information to diffarnt places. If you are reading -5 you have High resistance somwhere, in the sensor or in the wires or even the control head. If you had an open circut I am pretty sure you would get a reading of -40.
Aaron

 

[SHOZ123]

The Ambient Air Temperature sensor is the same electrically as the IAT and ECT sensors. Here are the electrical values for them.

 

[Hank F.]

This is a perfect example of why I will continue in this forum for many years. You guys and girls are a resource of practical and technical information without peer. I can even use my ohmmeter to check the values for continuity. Thank you for all your tips and info. On my car, the sensor is located next to the radiator and A/C condenser. Thus my concern that freon was skewing the readings. I am going out now, before the game, to check voltage and connections. Results later. Thanks again, everyone, for making it easier to keep these great AMERICAN cars on the road.