Where are car outside temperature sensors located?

Car outside temperature sensors are typically located on the exterior of the vehicle, often near the front grille or side mirrors. These sensors are designed to measure the ambient air temperature outside the car and provide that information to the vehicle's onboard computer system.

Understanding the Purpose of Outside Temperature Sensors

Outside temperature sensors serve several important functions in modern vehicles. They provide data that can be used to adjust the climate control system, helping to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. The information from these sensors can also be used to detect potentially hazardous driving conditions, such as the possibility of icy roads when the outside temperature is near freezing.

Additionally, the outside temperature reading is often displayed on the vehicle's dashboard or infotainment system, allowing the driver to easily monitor the current weather conditions.

Typical Sensor Locations

The most common locations for outside temperature sensors in cars include:

• Front Grille: Many vehicles have the sensor mounted near the front grille, where it can accurately measure the ambient air temperature as the car is moving.


• Side Mirrors: Sensors are sometimes integrated into the side mirrors, taking advantage of their exposed position on the exterior of the vehicle.


• Fender Wells: In some cases, the sensor may be located within the fender well, protected from direct sunlight and other environmental factors that could affect the temperature reading.

The specific location of the outside temperature sensor can vary depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Manufacturers may choose different sensor placements to optimize accuracy and reliability.

Sensor Maintenance and Calibration

To ensure the outside temperature sensor provides accurate readings, it's important to keep the sensor area clean and free of obstructions. Dirt, debris, or damage to the sensor can lead to inaccurate temperature measurements.

In some cases, the sensor may need to be calibrated by a professional to ensure it is providing the correct temperature information to the vehicle's computer system. This calibration process may be necessary if the sensor has been replaced or if the vehicle has undergone significant modifications.

Where is the outdoor temperature sensor on cars?

A: The ambient temperature sensor is typically mounted inside or near the vehicle's front bumper and/or behind the grille in the center radiator support. The ambient temperature sensor is a tool that measures the temperature outside the passenger compartment.

What happens when an ambient temperature sensor goes bad?

A bad ambient temperature sensor can cause problems with the climate control system, leading to inaccurate cabin temperature readings, inconsistent cooling or heating, and the AC's auto mode not working. It can also affect engine performance by causing the engine control module (ECM) to use the wrong air-fuel mixture, resulting in reduced power, poor fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. You may also see a "check engine" light or an incorrect temperature displayed on the dashboard.
 
Common symptoms 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad ambient air temperature sensor: 59sSimple Car SolutionsYouTube · May 10, 2025

• Climate control issues: Inconsistent or poor cooling/heating, and the AC's auto mode not functioning correctly. The AC compressor may not engage. 
• Incorrect temperature reading: The temperature displayed on the dashboard may be significantly different from the actual outside temperature. 
• Engine performance problems: The ECM receives bad data, which can lead to an incorrect air-fuel mixture, resulting in decreased engine power and acceleration. 
• Reduced fuel efficiency: Poor engine performance due to incorrect sensor data can lead to less efficient fuel management. 
• Increased emissions: Inaccurate air-fuel mixture can cause poor combustion, increasing emissions. 
• Check engine light: The check engine light may illuminate, and the vehicle may store diagnostic trouble codes related to the sensor. 

How it affects the vehicle

• HVAC system: The sensor provides the outside temperature to the climate control system, which uses that information, along with the cabin temperature, to regulate the fan speed and cooling or heating. When the sensor is faulty, the system lacks accurate data, causing it to malfunction. 
• Engine control: The ECM uses ambient temperature to help determine the correct air-fuel ratio for the engine. A faulty sensor can cause the ECM to make incorrect adjustments, leading to the performance issues mentioned above. 

This video shows how to test a temperature sensor: 53sDYVO AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 19, 2022

Why is my car telling me the wrong temperature outside?

Your car is likely reading the wrong temperature due to a faulty ambient temperature sensor, heat from the road, or sensor connection issues. The most common reasons are a dirty or damaged sensor, a loose electrical connection, or radiant heat from the road surface. 
Sensor and connection issues

• Dirty or damaged sensor: Dirt, bugs, and road debris can accumulate on the sensor, causing it to give incorrect readings. The sensor itself may also be physically damaged. 
• Loose or corroded connection: The wires connecting to the sensor can become loose or corroded over time, leading to an intermittent or inaccurate signal. 

Environmental factors

• Heat from the road: The sensor is often located low on the car, near the ground. Road surfaces like asphalt absorb a lot of heat from the sun and radiate it upwards, making the sensor read a higher temperature than the actual air temperature, especially when the car is stopped in traffic. 
• Radiant heat from the car: The sensor can also be affected by radiant heat from the engine and other metal parts of the car. 

How to fix it

1. 1. Locate the sensor: It is usually behind the front grille, in the front bumper, or near the radiator support. 
2. 2. Inspect and clean: Check for dirt or damage on the sensor. Unplug the sensor, clean the connector with contact cleaner, and then plug it back in securely. If the sensor looks damaged, it will need to be replaced. 
3. 3. Check the connection: Make sure the wiring harness is securely plugged in and free from corrosion. 
4. 4. Consider a software update: Sometimes, the issue can be a software glitch in the instrument cluster. A dealership or mechanic can check for available updates. 
5. 5. Consult a professional: If cleaning and checking the connection don't work, the sensor itself is likely faulty and needs replacement. It may also be a more complex electrical issue, so a professional mechanic can provide a more precise diagnosis. 

How do I reset the outside temperature sensor on my car?

To reset your car's outside temperature gauge, try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes or cleaning and reconnecting the sensor located near the front bumper. For some models, you can hold down the "Reset" or "Select" button on your dashboard for about 10 seconds to enter a temperature adjustment mode, according to this Reddit post and this YouTube video. If these steps don't work, check your vehicle's manual for a specific procedure, as some manufacturers have unique methods.
 
This video explains how to reset the ambient temperature sensor in a Chevy Silverado: 1mSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 31, 2024
Method 1: Disconnect the battery 

1. Turn off the vehicle and locate the battery.
2. Disconnect the negative (black) terminal from the battery.
3. Wait for at least 10 seconds to allow the system to fully discharge.
4. Reconnect the negative terminal and start the car. 

Method 2: Clean and reconnect the sensor 

1. Locate the outside temperature sensor, which is usually in front of the radiator or behind the grille near the front bumper. 
2. Clean the sensor gently to remove any dirt or debris. 
3. Unplug the sensor's electrical connector, clean the connector with a contact cleaner spray, and then plug it back in securely. 
4. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the sensor, particularly if it's damaged. 

This video shows how to reset the ambient temperature sensor in a Ford Escape: 58sBearded Ford TechYouTube · Aug 25, 2022
Method 3: Use the dashboard menu 

1. Turn the ignition to the ON position. 
2. Find the information display that shows the outside temperature. 
3. Press and hold the "Select/Reset" button (or a similar button) for about 10 seconds. 
4. The display should enter an adjustment mode where you can calibrate the temperature reading. 

You can watch this video to see how to calibrate the outside temperature display in a Honda Ridgeline: 59sEpicReviewsTechYouTube · Jan 29, 2013
Method 4: Check your vehicle's manual 

• Some vehicles have a specific reset procedure that is different from the methods above. Consult your owner's manual for any model-specific instructions.