Solved Ambient Air Temperature Sensor problems

[Cashcrazy]

I found this great site while Googling the symptoms of a problem I am having. First time explorer owner but a long time hobbyist mechanic. All information pertains to a 2011 limited. I appreciate any help to get this resolved and I hope I posted in the correct forum. I first noticed the outside temperature gauge going crazy. It would slowly drop into the negatives while driving down the highway which causes the heat to start blowing full force if the climate control is set on Auto. After googling the issue i was directed to the Ambient temperature sensor. The lower plastic radiator cover had come loose on one side and must have hit the sensor just right and cracked the connector. I ordered a pigtail from Ford and installed no problem. The pigtail wires are not color coded like the harness so I was careful to connect the correct wire to the correct place. Now my outside temperature sensor reads -40 degrees and we all know that's not happening in Texas. I ordered a new sensor in case it was damaged and should arrive today. The plug only goes on one way so the wires should be correct, but now I am second guessing myself since I still have a problem. Does anyone know if these wires are backwards I would get a constant reading of -40 or have a service manual with instructions for testing this? There isn't much harness to work with so I don't want to cut more unless it's needed.

 

[Cashcrazy]

I resolved the issue. Apparently the computer needed more time to register the temperature. After a few min the temp reading went from -40 to an accurate 70's. I had already ordered a new sensor so I installed it in case the old one was getting flakey. The Motorcraft part number for the sensor is DY-1160. The replacement pigtail connector is Motorcraft part number WPT-1306. I wanted to include this information in case someone has this same issue and stumbles upon this thread while googling.

 

[CrowNinja]

Thank you for this information. The piece just broke off my explorer and i have been trying to figure out what the connector was. Thanks for the part number!

 

[Cashcrazy]

No problem! Too many threads don't get updated with the resolution.

 

[Ed L]

No problem! Too many threads don't get updated with the resolution.

Can you tell me where the sensor is located? I ran over a piece of wood and it ripped off my fog light wire? Does it pigtail off that or somewhere else? I have no temp reading at all.

 

[Cashcrazy]

It's located on the driver's side, bottom of the bumper area, sort of at the corner of the radiator. I am not sure if it is tied into the fog light area.

 

[Ed L]

It's located on the driver's side, bottom of the bumper area, sort of at the corner of the radiator. I am not sure if it is tied into the fog light area.

Ok thanks, thats the area that was damaged must had gotten ripped off by the wood.