Outside temperature display is incorrect!

[Mjaga251]

I've been having a small problem, but it's one of those that bugs the heck out of you until its fixed! I've looked around on here, but havn't been able to see anything about it yet, so I'm hoping someone else can help?

So, the outside temperature readout inside my 99 xlt won't move out of the 60's. For example, today it read...68 degrees F, but the actual outside temp is only 56 degrees F. It's been doing this for about a week now, and I ahvn't been able to find anything in either my Haynes manual or anywhere else.

Can someone please leave me some guidance?!!!!

I know this will probably end up with me going to the dealer to get it looked at, but I was hoping someone else had any other tricks to getting it fixed?

If not, even pointing out the location of the temp probe?

Thanks!
Mike J

 

[MONMIX]

The best I can tell you is the probe location which is behind the grille.

 

[Mjaga251]

Thank you!
That's at least a starting point.
I appreciate it!

 

[Hoppy]

I just installed this system in my 2000 xls. The only thing that can really go wrong is either the sensor I think. I would probably start by checking it and its connections. It is behind the grille on the drivers side just under the front end air bag sensor. There are two blue wires to it, one with a white stripe and one with a yellow stripe. If it is not the sensor or wiring, the only other thing could be the module is gone in the console.

 

[Mjaga251]

K thanks. I'll have to check that out. Seems pretty simple?

 

[reserved50]

ford manual says replace sensor, if the temp is still wrong replace the module, I wouldnt bother with any of that, theres also a write about how accurate the sensor really is when parked or driving and how often it samples. If its off consistantly (you have an auxillary temp sensor confirming readings) you can add a resistor in series or parallel to slightly alter the resistance in the cicuit or a potentiometer (variable resistor like a volume control knob) to fine tune the sensor soldered at the 2 temp sensor wires (preferable in the cab)... so i would just leave it.

 

[Mjaga251]

OK...
I haven't had a chance to look into it, but here's something new. Today, we had our first 30 degree day in awhile...lately we've had 60's. When the temp is higher than probably about 45 or 50 degrees is when it becomes inaccurate....because today it was right on track. it said 27deg and I checked a thermometer and it sure was 27.
Any other ideas?
Or would it still be a bad sensor? Thanks again in advance!

 

[IZwack]

Yeah still sounds like a bad sensor.

Just to double check, does it flip-flop between Fahrenheit and Celcius okay?

 

[Mjaga251]

Yes, it switches from Celsius and Fahrenheit fine, just the reading is off when it's warmer out

 

[MONMIX]

I too noticed that mine seems to be near dead on for colder temps but off with hotter.

Only about four or five degreese though, when it is up near 100.

It is just ball park information for me either way.
That said I THINK the ECM reads that temp as well.
any one wanna back me up on that ?
( I know for a FACT it does on Hondas )