Where is the temperature sensor on a Toyota Tundra?
On a Toyota Tundra, the most commonly referenced temperature sensor is the outside air temperature sensor, which sits behind the front bumper. The truck also relies on sensors in the engine bay to monitor coolant and intake air temperatures, and some models with automatic transmissions have a transmission temperature sensor. In short, there isn’t a single “the” temperature sensor—the Tundra uses several sensors to monitor different temperatures.
Overview of temperature sensors on the Tundra
The Toyota Tundra uses several temperature sensors. Here are the main ones and where to find them in most model years (subject to trim and generation):
- Outside air temperature sensor (ambient temp) — typically located in or near the front bumper area, often behind the grille or inside the bumper/air intake region. This sensor feeds the dash display and HVAC controls with the outside temperature.
- Engine coolant temperature sensor (CTS) — usually threaded into the engine block or cylinder head near the thermostat housing or water outlet. It monitors coolant temperature to inform the engine control unit (ECU), cooling fans, and temperature gauge.
- Intake air temperature sensor (IAT) — located in the air intake tract, commonly in the intake manifold or the air intake tube just upstream of the throttle body. It measures the temperature of incoming air for fuel calculations and ECU adjustments.
- Transmission temperature sensor — present on most automatic transmissions; located inside the transmission housing or near the valve body/pan area to monitor transmission fluid temperature for shift strategies and protection. Some manual-transmission configurations may not have this sensor.
These locations are typical across recent Tundra generations, but exact placement can vary by year and trim. If you’re working on a specific model year, consult the factory service manual or a reputable repair database for your exact configuration.
How to locate and verify sensors on your Tundra
Follow these practical steps to locate the sensors and verify readings without disassembling major components:
- Refer to the vehicle’s service manual or a reputable wiring diagram for your year to identify the exact sensor locations.
- Inspect the outside air temperature sensor behind the front bumper for visible damage, corrosion, or loose connectors. Access may require removing the bumper or lower fascia, depending on trim.
- Check the engine bay for the CTS on the engine block or near the thermostat housing, ensuring the harness is intact and the connector is secure.
- Inspect the intake tract for the IAT sensor, typically near the air intake boot or near the mass airflow sensor, and verify the connector and wiring.
- For automatic transmissions, locate the transmission temperature sensor on the transmission housing or near the pan; check the wiring harness and electrical connections.
If you’re diagnosing an erroneous temperature reading, use an OBD-II scanner to read live sensor data and compare against known normal ranges. Damaged housings, bent pins, or broken connectors are common culprits, and replacing a faulty sensor or repairing wiring often resolves issues.
Summary
The Toyota Tundra relies on multiple temperature sensors: the outside ambient sensor behind the front bumper, the engine coolant temperature sensor in or near the engine, the intake air temperature sensor in the intake tract, and, on automatic transmissions, a transmission temperature sensor. Locations vary by generation and trim, so always verify with the model year’s service documentation and use diagnostic tools to confirm sensor readings.
