Something came off inside the front bumper, Gen 3 2015 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Batuujin B., Jul 30, 2023.

  1. Batuujin B.

    Batuujin B. New Member

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    Model:
    Two
    Hi all,
    I have a Gen3 2015 Prius Two and I found something hanging loose inside the front bumper (pictured). It's connected to the front bumper electric wires on the inside, but it seems like a dead end. The cylindrical part can come off from the socket (I put it back).

    Can anyone tell me what it is and where it should clip into with the metal part? I doubt it's supposed to be just hanging loose. Would rather just put it back than go to a mechanic.
    Thanks!
    Batu
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I believe that's your outside temperature sensor It should be clipped on to the center support piece of metal that runs from the upper radiator support to the bottom there's a hole where it sticks in and it reads the temperature of the air flowing through the grill if you will I believe this is how you get the outside temp on your display if you have that It should go back on its mount You should see the hole about 4 in from the bottom of the support up towards the sky
     
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  3. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    While you shouldn't have to do a complete disassembly, these 2010 (Gen 3) Repair Manual files will give you the general location where it should be attached.

    Since it just came off of its bracket, and the wiring is not damaged, the sensor is still providing a temperature signal to the climate control system even if it is just hanging there.
     
    #3 RRxing, Jul 31, 2023
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2023
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  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Open the hood see the hood latch that the hoop drops into the clothes and latch the hood now come forward of that to the core support which runs across the top of your radiator and condenser now look straight down and you see a metal bar going from that core support down to the bottom frame of the car or lower core support whatever frame member that's called that little sensor goes into the little 5/16 or so whole that's about 4 in or 2 in above that bottom support but in that vertical member there's a hole right there for it reach your hand down there if you can if your plastic tray is missing on the bottom it's usually easier to lay down on the ground look up grab the piece push it in the little hole if the pieces damaged you can put some urethane glue insert it into its hole let that skin and dry you're done.
     
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  5. Batuujin B.

    Batuujin B. New Member

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    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for the replies everyone!
    I found the hole at the bottom support and attached it back. It's a bit loose, but it stays on, so I'm happy with that for now.
    Appreciate the help!

    Batu