Recently, I found that my ambient air temperature display was not working right. It would show -40 degrees (F) at startup and then would simply display three dashes (---). An internet search told me this was likely a failure in the air temperature sensor that is located UNDER (not inside) the bumper over on the passenger side. So, I ordered a new sensor for a little over $6.00, and when it came, I removed the bumper cover so I could replace it. You might wonder why I didn't simply take my car to the dealership for the repair, since it's still under warranty and the answer is that the dealership is over 70 miles away in Phoenix and I didn't want to make that trip for such a simple repair.
This is more than a minor display annoyance though. It seems to effect the climate control in the car - essentially turning the A/C off, probably because the BCM "thinks" that the outside air coming in is sub-zero. (Of course, here in Aridzona, it's still in the 80s).
Well, I found out that my OEM sensor is just fine, but one of the two wires leading to it was broken, so the sensor display was simply seeing an "open circuit". After studying the break, which also had some damage to the covering to that wire in two different places, I've come to the conclusion that the break was caused by a rodent chewing the wire there. I know this kind of damage would not be covered by the warranty, so my decision to repair it myself was justified. I've spliced in a short section of new wire and ti works again. Time to set out some rat traps!
I'm posting this for two reasons:
Hope this helps someone!
- Jack
This is more than a minor display annoyance though. It seems to effect the climate control in the car - essentially turning the A/C off, probably because the BCM "thinks" that the outside air coming in is sub-zero. (Of course, here in Aridzona, it's still in the 80s).
Well, I found out that my OEM sensor is just fine, but one of the two wires leading to it was broken, so the sensor display was simply seeing an "open circuit". After studying the break, which also had some damage to the covering to that wire in two different places, I've come to the conclusion that the break was caused by a rodent chewing the wire there. I know this kind of damage would not be covered by the warranty, so my decision to repair it myself was justified. I've spliced in a short section of new wire and ti works again. Time to set out some rat traps!
I'm posting this for two reasons:
1. To let everyone know this failure is not limited to the sensor, but includes the wiring too.
2. To let you all know it will effect the climate control in the car, which is a good reason to get it fixed.
Hope this helps someone!
- Jack