Outside air temp is wrong

[luttersj]

While it is annoying that I don't know what the outside temp actually is, are there any systems that rely on that sensor? I mean, is the air/fuel mixture adjusted as the air temp changes? Is anything with the climate control adjusted by the outside temp? IIRC, the AC won't kick in if it gets below 30 degrees. Today there was a difference of about 35 degrees. the car told me it was 67 but it was really about 34 according to the radio. if that margin of error is constant, it could be zero and the car will think it's 35 and be running the heat through the AC casuing damage.

I need an oil change soon, maybe I'll have them look at it. But I'm just wondering what you know about this.

 

[ILLS]

The good thing is that your IATS (intake air temp sensor) is contained within your MAFS (mass airflow sensor). It is a separate system for reading your intake temperatures compared to your climate control system.

The A/C should not kick on as long as you do not turn it on. Even with the temp reading being way off I would not see how this could manifest itself into a real problem for you. Obviously it will be an inconvenience to have your temp readout be so far off though.

 

[NYC LS8]

The sensor is right behind where the grille sits when the hood's closed. Have a look at the connector and sensor.

 

[joegr]

It won't affect the engine. It is used by the climate control, and will probably keep it from working as well as it should. It won't be a problem for the A/C compressor though. There is a pressure sensor that keeps it from running when it is too cold for it to work. I don't know about the heated wiper area of the windshield. I think that might use the external temp sensor to know when to come on.

 

[luttersj]

OK, so it sounds like it's more of an inconvenience than it is a real problem. So I won't rush to get it into the shop. But since it's under warranty, I'm only popping the hood to check fluids!

thanks for the info everyone!

 

[Y-L]

The sensor is right behind where the grille sits when the hood's closed. Have a look at the connector and sensor.

Hi

got the same problem in 05 town car its 0 outside and in my car its says its 117.

do you know where this sensor is on a 2005 town car.

Thanks

 

[NYC LS8]

It was behind the grille in both my 87 and 92 LSCs and the LS, so probably in the same area on the TC.