Where is the outside temperature location sensor?

In most devices, the outside temperature sensor is located where it can sample ambient air without being influenced by heat from engines, sun, or building materials. The exact spot depends on the device: cars have a dedicated OAT sensor behind the bumper, home weather stations use an external sensor mounted outside, and smartphones generally rely on online data rather than a built-in outdoor sensor.

Automotive outside temperature sensors

In cars, the outside air temperature (OAT) sensor is designed to read ambient air rather than engine heat, so placement matters for accuracy and dashboards rely on it for temp readouts.

Typical mounting locations

• Behind the front bumper, near the grille, in a small vented housing to sample air.


• On the bumper edge or in the lower grille area, sometimes on either side of the bumper.


• Some models place the sensor in the wheel well or near the side fender behind protective trim.

If readings seem off, it may be shaded by the bumper or affected by heat from the engine bay; consult your vehicle’s manual for the exact sensor location for your model.

Home weather stations and outdoor sensors

Most consumer weather stations rely on a dedicated external sensor module placed outdoors to measure temperature and humidity, separate from the indoor console. Proper placement ensures readings reflect outdoor conditions rather than indoor heat.

Placement guidelines

• Mount on an exterior wall or a free-standing pole about 1.5 to 2 meters (roughly 5 to 6.5 feet) above ground to approximate air temperature at human height.


• Avoid direct sun, hot surfaces, and sources of heat such as air conditioner exhausts or vents.


• Use a radiation shield or weather shield to minimize radiant heating and allow for good air flow.


• Keep the sensor away from precipitation obstructions and keep a clear path for air exchange.

Follow the manufacturer’s mounting instructions for specific sensor housings and drainage considerations; locations may slightly affect readings depending on climate and surrounding structures.

Smart devices and phones

Smartphones generally do not include a dedicated outdoor ambient temperature sensor. Weather apps typically pull temperature data from online meteorological services rather than measuring ambient conditions with the device itself.

What this means for users

• No built-in external ambient air sensor on most phones.


• Outdoors readings on apps reflect data from weather services or calibrations rather than a direct measurement from your device.


• If you need on-site outdoor readings, consider a separate outdoor sensor or a connected weather station.

To get the most representative local reading, place the sensor according to the weather station guidelines or rely on trusted local forecasts for quick checks.

How to locate or verify the sensor on your device

Locating the sensor usually means checking the product manual, service diagrams, or official support pages for your model. Here are general tips for common categories.

• Car: look under the front bumper area near the grille; refer to the owner’s manual or dealership service portal for exact positions per model.


• Weather station: the outdoor sensor is a small module mounted outside; the manual will show mounting locations and shield usage.


• Smartphones: there is typically no outdoor sensor; verify with the app’s data source or device settings.

If readings are inconsistent, verify placement and ensure the sensor has adequate exposure to ambient air and is not shaded or blocked.

Summary

Outside temperature sensors are highly device-specific. Cars place the OAT sensor behind the front bumper to sample ambient air, while home weather stations use an external sensor mounted outside at an appropriate height and shielded from heat. Most smartphones lack a dedicated outdoor ambient sensor and rely on online weather data. For accuracy, follow your device’s mounting guidelines, keep sensors away from heat sources and direct sun, and consult the manufacturer when in doubt.

Where is the outside 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. 

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. Locate the sensor: It is usually behind the front grille, in the front bumper, or near the radiator support. 
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. Check the connection: Make sure the wiring harness is securely plugged in and free from corrosion. 
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. 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. 

Where should an outdoor temperature sensor be placed?

The best placement for an outdoor temperature sensor is on a north-facing wall (in the Northern Hemisphere), 4 to 6 feet off the ground, in a shaded, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ground radiation from surfaces like concrete or asphalt. If a shaded wall is not possible, use a radiation shield and place the sensor as far away from buildings as possible.
 
This video demonstrates the importance of shade and height for accurate temperature readings: 57sThe Weather NetworkYouTube · Apr 13, 2016
Detailed guidelines 
This video explains how to mount a temperature sensor for accurate readings: 51sLa Crosse TechnologyYouTube · Feb 2, 2017

• Height: Mount the sensor 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) above the ground to avoid the influence of ground temperature. 
• Shade: Place the sensor out of direct sunlight. A north-facing wall is ideal because it receives no direct sun. 
• Ventilation: Ensure the area has good airflow and is not too close to walls or other structures that could block it. A dedicated radiation shield or a simple vented enclosure can improve accuracy and response. 
• Distance from heat sources:
  • Avoid placing the sensor near heat sources like dryer vents, flue pipes, or air conditioning units. 
  • Place it a good distance from the building itself (ideally 4 times the building's height) to avoid heat radiating from the structure, as ThermoPro notes. 
  • Do not mount it directly on a roof or in a window well. 
• Ground surface: Avoid placing the sensor over hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or brick, which absorb and radiate heat. Ideally, it should be placed over natural ground, like grass. 
• Protection: Ensure the sensor is protected from precipitation. This can be achieved by placing it under an eave (at least one foot below) or using a purpose-made shield. 

How does my car know the outside temperature?

Cars measure outside temperature using a thermistor, a sensor located behind the front grille or bumper that detects changes in electrical current caused by temperature. This reading can be inaccurate because the sensor's location is close to the ground and can be influenced by heat radiating from the road surface or trapped inside the car's body panels. 
You can watch this video to learn how car thermometers work: 52sABC24 MemphisYouTube · Jul 30, 2021
How it works

• Thermistor vs. thermometer: Instead of a mercury thermometer that expands and contracts, a thermistor's electrical resistance changes with temperature. 
• Location: The sensor is typically placed behind the front grille or bumper to get direct airflow, but this position is also where it can pick up heat from the road. Some cars may also have sensors in the mirror housing or fender. 
• Potential inaccuracies:
  • Road heat: Heat radiated from the asphalt can cause the sensor to read a temperature higher than the actual air temperature. 
  • Engine heat: The sensor is placed to avoid engine heat, but heat from the car's body panels can still affect the reading. 
  • Parked car: When a car is stopped, especially in the sun, the air inside the body panels heats up and isn't replaced by fresh air, leading to a much higher reading than the actual outside temperature. 

This video explains why a car's temperature reading can be inaccurate: 1mNewsWest 9YouTube · Jun 17, 2023
Improving accuracy

• Driving speed: The reading becomes more accurate when the car is moving because the airflow replaces the heat trapped around the sensor. 
• Vehicle software: Some systems may use algorithms to adjust the reading based on speed or other factors. 
• Comparing to official sources: For the most accurate reading, rely on a weather station's official report, as they are placed to avoid factors like road heat.