Symptoms of a Bad Ambient Air Temperature Sensor

The symptoms of a bad Ambient (Outside) Air Temperature Sensor and how to test it has failed.

What is an Ambient Air Temperature Sensor?
The ambient air temperature sensor monitors the air temperature outside of the vehicle.
Sometimes called an outside temp sensor, it is usually found inside the bumper or grill.
Many climate control systems will flash an indicator or display a message if the ambient sensor is bad.

Symptoms of a Bad Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
Engine Light on or Climate Control Systems Indicator
Outside Dashboard Temperature is Wrong
Air Conditioner or Heater Does Not Work
The HVAC Automatic Mode Won’t Work

How To Test Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
Scan for Codes (P0070 P0071 P0072 P0073 P0074)
Test Sensor with Meter

By using this information user assumes all risk of use.

[georgeowl]

Great video. Thanks!
Once I replace the sensor, is there any calibration need to be done?
2017 accord 2.4L
And should I disconnect the battery before starting?

[chineduokonkwo]

The ambient temperature sensor for my Honda 2006 odyssey is missing along with the wiring. How do I go about finding one and replacing it?

[rudygarcia]

Do you have to reset the ambient air temperature sensor after installation?

[krayzie]

I recently had work done to my truck. They removed the front grill and bumper. After I got the truck back now It has a CEL and when I turn on the AC it stalls. I'm gonna check if they put it back wrong or if the actual sensor is bad. I feel like they didn't connect it right. Thanks for the video.

[DerekMoore]

Whenever it rains, my car warns me about icy conditions and thinks it's negative 45 degrees outside and blasts heat. When the rain stops and everything dries up, it goes back to normal.

[topazjames]

Thank you that was very informational!😊

[PeterMcGarry-ro]

I’ve had a diagnostic done came on my Volvo S40 Lux 57 Plate. Came back ambient sensor code P0070 my engine light came on and I noticed that my rev counter was just touching 1 would in idle mode!, also Temp was showing -3would this be a symptom?

[xavierrandall]

So I have a 2018 gmc canyon, and I’ve already replaced the etc and the thermostat…my ac only blows warm air even when I have it cranked to the coldest, and as soon as I turn the truck on the radiator fan turns on and keeps going even after I turn the truck off for a good 5 minutes or so…any chance these may be symptoms of bad ambient sensor

[mndmccrtr]

My 2014 jeep patriot is doing where the lightening bolt comes on, and traction icon and looses power. Took it and got it hooked up and threw back the ambient air temperature sensor. Will that fix it? The air works fine.

[jaredcanias]

can drive with a faulty ambient air temperature sensor

[obs_vell]

My temp gauge and ambient guage randomly stopped working when I changed my cluster bulbs to LED. I've driven the car no overheating and heat works fine...what could it be? CTS? Or ambient sensor?

[lapulapu]

I have a 2019 Malibu and having issues with AC sometimes it doesn't work like just a fan but no cold air and sometimes I see a msg it says engine power reduced and the temperature is -40 and icy slippery road drive with care when the temperature is 20 digress Celsius ( Canada ) !!! does it mean the outside temperature sensor is bad ? thanks

[nateer]

Could not having this sensor on cause OBD code P0606, PCM fault? And cause the service spanner light to be on?

[EDIAL]

Hi
May I ask a question about ford focus c-max?
Where is the outside temperature sensor locating?
Thanks!

[tatlletale]

2005 PT Cruiser had no engine light was overheating so I replace the fan and the engine coolant sensor the fan was not working prior to me replacing it now the fan runs continuous and I have a code that says engine coolant sensor air conditioner works fine how can I remove the code

[NBADmanager]

Thank u so so much. My ac don’t work auto mode😮

[MarceloCerezer]

what resistance value does a citroen ac c3 temperature sensor have?

[dinunziom]

Hi. Where in focus 2008 1.4 petrol is located??? I can't find it!!!😮 Please

[perlaortiz]

Kia optima has a knocking sound near engine but the only code that comes up is the ambient air sensor would the failed sensor cause the knocking ?

[marc]

My outside temperature is reading above 145- 160 degrees F. I Changed the sensor, it's new. I think it might be wired incorrectly. (I change a 24 pin "engine to I/P Harness Connector) and when I was reinstalling the leads I mixed up several wires. I'm Looking at All Data trying to trace the wiring. There were 2 Tan wires for GMLAN Serial Data Bus. the (+) has a black line (but it was faded). also, there were 3 purple wires that I got mixed up on. 2 of them are larger gauge, so I was not sure when i reinstalled the wires into the connector. however, I just Learned one of the larger gauge purple wires is Low Reference & the other is TCC Brake switch. (I don't know exactly what TCC Brake Switch is, but it sound important). i think i might have found my problem. My HVAC control Unit is probably reading TCC brake Switch voltage and translating it as 165 Degrees) i haven't had any brakeing problems, but I'm going to have to figure this one out.