Outside temp. sensor

[Emerald94]

Every time I take my car to a car wash (automatic or DIY), my outside temperature sensor goes out of whack. It seems to read at both end of the spectrum, from -40c to 23c (so far), no matter what the outside temp is.
It will eventually correct itself but I was wondering what could cause this problem?
The sensor itself was replaced last summer.
It's not a big deal right now but will be come summer, when I need to use the A/C.

 

[sdpatt]

Moisture in the connector. The sensor is mounted beind the grill, forward of the A/C condenser and to the driver side of center. There is either a poor connection at the electrical connector or within the sensor itself. Check the integrity of the contacts inthe connector or try not to hose it so hard.

 

[Emerald94]

Thanks Scott, I'll take a look this weekend.
Would dielectric(sp?) grease help in this case?
BTW, I wash my car once a week in the summer and never have this problem, only in the coin-op or automatic carwashes.

 

[jasonty]

To answer your question, dielectic grease will help in the connection to keep moisture and corrosion out. Also, when you use the Coin-Op car wash, you're using high pressure water. Washing the car at your house is a little different because you're more then likely using garden hose pressure. Don't feel bad though, my sensor works when it wants to also. But, since my blend door actuator is bad, it doesn't really matter.

 

[Speedy_91_SHO]

Mine seems to have a mind of its own too. Always when I first start the car it will say around 40, then as I get going about 60mph I can actually watch it drop in temp down ot about 25 which has been the norm temp thumbs_u . It is kinda fun but sucks when I actually wanna know the temp. I had wondered if there is a way to fix it or is it just the way it is

 

[jasonty]

Yup, I got that problem too... I don't know what the deal is, but I'm thinking either you went through an auto carwash and it sprayed hot wax on it, or, it's covered with crap, or, it's just straight old. I haven't really screwed with mine, so I couldn't tell ya what the deal is for sure.

 

[Rob94]

The reason it will read 40 then drop to 25 after you get moving is because it was still reading the residual heat under the hood/from the radiator. Perfectly normal.

 

[Neo]

Mine does the same thing, around 40-50 sitting still, then as I'm driving, it goes down to the real temp. Has anyone botherd to try to relocate the sensor, or is it not that big of a deal?

 

[Emerald94]

FYI, the sensor isn't only to tell you the ambient temperature, it also works with the EATC.
When it was acting screwy last summer, it wasn't funny. It was reading -40c and I had my A/C set up at 24c (it was about 30c outside or 86f), the system was blasting hot air at me!!
The only way to get cold air was to set it to MAX.