Thermometer/Outside Air Temp

[RussL15]

On my 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer, I believe that my thermometer sensor is going. I get inaccurate readings of the outside air temperature on the digital readout inside the vehicle. Where is the sensor located and has anyone ever replaced it? Thanks.

 

[jrford]

yep, did one. On my '04 its in front. passenger side of the radiator, about 1/3 from the top, plastic thing. Its real easy to get to if you take the front 'chrome' grill off. .
I did notice it messed up my auto climate control (it was reading +40F) and when i hit auto button the A/C would come on, when it was actually below 10F. Once i replaced it and read normal readings, 10F, and i hit the Auto Button, it would turn on but leave the A/C off.

 

[BigRondo]

Just replaced mine today! Was pretty easy. Right behind grill on passenger side. Removed grill and there it was. I like having accurate outside temp!!! Good luck!

 

[MikeRWK]

Anyone got a pic? mine reads -40 all the time

 

[BigRondo]

Sorry, don't have a pic. I don't know where it is on the 96. Bought it at a Ford dealer was about $50. There are more threads about changing it. I googled the question and that's how I found this forum.

 

[stuartr]

How in the world does that thing keep an acurate reading if it is on the front of the vehicle? I have always wondered where they were. I figured mid-ship somewhere out of the wind not right at the radiator. Wow that is a surprise.

STU

 

[BigRondo]

As I understand it, wind chill has no effect on inanimate objects. It can't rob the heat because the object doesn't produce heat. When the vehicle is moving the effect of engine heat is not relevant. when idling the engine heat as well as heat reflecting off the pavement can skew the reading but not as much as you would think. Like I posted earlier, I replaced mine in about 10 minutes and it works like a charm.

 

[BigRondo]

Posting this link for future reference. Anyone looking for instructions on changing the outside temp sensor: Click Here!

 

[stuartr]

My battery was getting weak and my reading went crazy. Replaced battery reading looks right now.
STU