Where is the ambient temperature sensor on a Chevy Aveo?

In most Chevy Aveo models, the ambient outside temperature sensor is mounted in the front bumper cover and is typically accessible from the lower grille on the driver's side. If your outside temperature display reads abnormally, this is the common area to inspect.

Common location and how it sits in the bumper area

The sensor is generally tucked behind the bumper cover near the lower grille or the fog-light housing. Depending on the year and trim, it may sit slightly off-center or on an adjacent area of the bumper. The exact position can vary by model year, so always verify against your specific Aveo’s service information.

• Front bumper cover, usually on the driver’s side (left) behind the lower grille or near the fog-light housing.


• In some model years or trims, it can be positioned behind a bumper shield or closer to the center behind the lower grille.

Concluding: If you don’t immediately spot the sensor in these spots, consult the owner's manual or a GM service bulletin for your exact year/model, since some configurations place the sensor in a slightly different bumper area or use an integrated module.

How to access the sensor safely

The following steps outline how to reach the ambient sensor with minimal risk to the bumper and wiring. Always take care not to damage plastic clips or paint work.

1. Park on level ground, switch off the engine, and disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical short while working near connectors.


2. If your Aveo has a splash shield or an under-bumper covering, remove the fasteners and carefully lower or remove it to expose the bumper backside.


3. Loosen the fasteners along the edge of the front bumper and gently pry the bumper away from the fascia just enough to gain access to the inner area where the sensor sits.


4. Identify the ambient sensor housing; you’ll likely see a small plastic module with a two-pin electrical connector and a short harness.


5. Disconnect the connector and inspect the sensor and wiring for corrosion, bent pins, or damaged insulation. Replace the sensor or repair the harness as needed, then reassemble in reverse order.

Concluding: Access may require partial bumper removal or loosening, but following proper procedure helps avoid damage and ensures a good seal when reassembling.

Testing and verification

After gaining access, confirm the sensor is functioning and the readings match ambient conditions. Use these checks as guidance:

• Inspect the two-pin connector for corrosion or loose pins and reseat if needed.


• Gently wiggle the harness to ensure a solid connection without excessive movement.


• Use a compatible scan tool or test equipment to compare outside air temperature readings with actual ambient conditions.


• If readings remain inaccurate after cleaning and reseating, replace the sensor and recheck the system.

Concluding: Accurate ambient readings depend on a clean, secure connection and a functioning sensor; persistent discrepancies usually indicate a faulty sensor or compromised wiring.

Summary

The ambient outside air temperature sensor on a Chevy Aveo is typically located in the front bumper cover, most often on the driver's side behind the lower grille or near the fog-light housing. Access usually involves removing or loosening parts of the bumper or splash shield. If readings are unreliable, inspect the sensor, its connector, and the wiring, and replace as needed. For precise placement by model year, consult the Chevrolet service manual or a dealer.

Where is the ambient temperature sensor located?

The ambient temperature sensor is most commonly found behind the front bumper, grill, or radiator support, positioned to get an accurate reading of the outside air without being exposed to direct sunlight or engine heat. Some vehicles may have it in alternative locations, such as the lower part of a wing mirror or behind a headlight assembly.
 
This video shows the location of the ambient temperature sensor behind the front bumper: 34sMACTFORDEDGEYouTube · Jul 8, 2021
Common locations

• Behind the front bumper: This is the most typical spot. It is often mounted inside or near the front bumper and can be accessed by removing the bumper cover. 
• Behind the grille: The sensor is sometimes placed behind the grille in the center of the radiator support. 
• In the front wheel well: On some models, it's located under the vehicle in front of the driver's side wheel well. 
• Behind a headlight: Some vehicles, like certain Fords, may have the sensor located behind a headlight assembly. 
• On a wing mirror: Less commonly, the sensor can be found in the cover of a side-view mirror. 

Why it's located there

• The sensor needs to be exposed to the outside air to get an accurate reading. 
• Being placed behind the bumper or grille protects it from direct sunlight and strong winds. 
• It is positioned away from the engine to avoid being affected by engine heat, which could skew the temperature reading. 

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

Where is the temperature sensor on a 2008 Chevy Aveo?

The coolant temperature sensor on a 2008 Chevy Aveo LS is typically located near the thermostat housing on the engine block. Symptoms of a faulty sensor include erratic temperature gauge readings or engine overheating.

How do you reset the ambient air temperature sensor on a Buick?

Start by disconnecting the car battery for about 10 minutes to allow the system to reset, then reconnect and check the display. If this doesn't work, the sensor itself might be faulty, or a wiring issue could prevent it from accurately detecting the outside temperature.