2001 Sport Trac outside temp incorrect reading

[Topper604]

The console has started telling me that it's -3 degrees outside on nice warm days. The compass works fine.

Can someone point me in the right direction for troubleshooting this? I like to keep my truck well maintained and while not vital, little things like this bug me.

Doing a google search only floods me with results about engine/rad temperature.

Thanks.

 

[ambush27]

Given that its not stuck at -40 or +150 or something it could be corrosion or a bad ambient air sensor. I would pull the ambient air temperature sensor and inspect it and try a different/new one. Or if you have access to an IDS or Snapon Ethos or better scanner scan it.

 

[swshawaii]

^ Outside Air Temperature Sensor
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214008
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202116

For future reference:
Overhead console display fix
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187953

 

[J_C]

Anyone know the specs of the sensor? I'm guessing it's just a $1 NTC or PTC thermistor with a ~ $50 plastic casing over it. Seems like you could just saw the old one open, solder the thermistor in and put a dab of sensor-safe sealant over it. Heh, I just hate overpaying for something marked up 1000% of their cost.

I guess if I get ambitious some day I could pull mine, take resistance readings, then check a few datasheets to see what the resistance @ temperature suggests.

 

[Topper604]

Given that its not stuck at -40 or +150 or something it could be corrosion or a bad ambient air sensor. I would pull the ambient air temperature sensor and inspect it and try a different/new one. Or if you have access to an IDS or Snapon Ethos or better scanner scan it.

Thanks guys. Before today I had no idea this thing existed.

I went to an auto parts store, they wanted $38 for a new one. I instead went to an auto-wrecker and pulled 1 out of an '00 explorer. Bingo. Charged for $3 for "misc item"

Noticed my air box had a crack in it, so pulled one out of the same explorer, charged me $11. Having a great day lol