Location of Temperature Sensor

It is behind the front bumper. As long as the car is moving (air flowing over/under the vehicle) accuracy will not be affected by sun, clouds or night/day.

 

If you are parked then the hot pavement can increase the temp by several degrees. I have seen it as much as 5 degrees higher in the asphalt parking lot at work.

As stated above, after you get moving the temp should correct to true ambient.

 

Also, if you go through a car wash the temp drops 20 degrees for 10-15 min.

 

Driving over hot pavement/asphalt will report higher temperatures due to convective heat rising up from the hot surface. In my experience, it's a degree or two where I live. YMMV

SCH-I535

 

And where is the cabin temperature sensor?

 

If you will read the entire thread you will find your answer in post #2.

 

Please re-read my question more carefully.

 

Sorry, cabin temp sensor is under center console.

 

The cabin temp sensor is located behind the blank switch plate (or switch, depending on model) by your right knee. There are openings just underneath the switch that you can feel with your fingers. This is where the air temp is sensed.

 

The Repair Manual shows in below the center console, not by your left knee.

 

The "No. 1 Switch Hole Base" is located by your right knee, not below the console. The repair manual is just showing all of the center console pieces that have to be removed in order to access the Switch Hole Base and the temperature sensor. If you put your finger underneath the switch hole base you will feel the slots where the air temp is sensed.

 

Thanks for setting me straight on this location. I would have never have guessed with having to remove all that is necessary that the sensor is actually located behind the Switch Hole by your right knee . I have never noticed the vents below the switch hole.

 

No problem. I just hope I never have to replace the sensor.

 

Isn't that the truth! The interesting thing is I removed the blank switch cover and you can see the connector harness and you can see the sensor through the vent slots. It is right there at your fingertips.

 

May be off subject as to outside air temp location but... The last time I had the dealer wash my car was the first time I noticed the affect on the temp reading. It wasn't the first time they had washed the car since it had just had the 15k maint. but when I left the lot I immediately went back and told them they had messed up the temp sensor. They told me it was normal for a wash to do that but since that time it just seems like it is always inaccurate. I had always admired how close to the reported (weather channel) temp. it always was but now it seems to take several miles of driving (15+) to even approach that temp. after leaving my garage. It may be 95F outside but when I pull out it will be reporting 72F on the dash. It will gradually raise to maybe 81F after several minutes on the freeway and if I drive for 20 minutes or more it may get within 5 degrees of the actual temp.. I'm sure it was never this inaccurate before but have no proof and dealer isn't concerned. I was worried that this inaccuracy could be feeding into some info one of the computers uses that may relate to fuel air mixtures or something smog related. Probably just being paranoid .

 

That is unusual. I have gotten mine wet at car washes or driving through rain puddles but as soon as it dries out it goes right back to being accurate again.

The only thing that I have seen the ambient sensor used for is the Climate Control System. According to the Repair Manual it uses the ambient temp sensor, the cabin temp sensor, and the solar sensor on top of the dash in its Fuzzy Logic calculations.

If the car is still under the 36k mile warranty I would push the dealer to replace it. If out of warranty the sensor is located behind the front bumper and in front of the AC condensor coils. It is easy to get to and change and is inexpensive.

I have not seen anything on it being used for the engine or emissions control.

 

And here's the kicker - the various temperature sensor settings are dealer-adjustable.