Outside Air Temperature Display Inaccurate or Inoperative
Outside Air Temperature Display Inaccurate or Inoperative
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Circuit/System Description
The ambient air temperature sensor is a variable resistor interfaced to the driver information center (DIC) via the outside air temperature sensor signal circuit and low reference circuit. The DIC provides the logic for reading the ambient air temperature sensor, filtering the data and displaying the ambient air temperature. A warmer ambient air temperature results in a lower ambient air temperature sensor resistance. Temperature reading exceeding 143�F (62�C) is out of the DIC temperature range and will not be displayed. When the ambient air temperature reading exceeds 143�F (62�C), "SC" is displayed in the DIC. A colder ambient air temperature results in a higher ambient air temperature sensor resistance. Temperature reading lower than -40�F (-40�C) is out of the DIC temperature range and will not be displayed. When the ambient air temperature reading is lower than -40�F (-40�C), "OC" is displayed in the DIC. In colder temperatures such as 37�F (3�C) or below, the mirror displays "ICE" when the ignition is first turned on. The DIC temperature display toggles between "ICE" and the actual ambient temperature until the temperature update process is complete. If the ambient air temperature sensor is opened or shorted, the temperature displayed is either a cold or hot extreme. An open ambient air temperature sensor displays as "OC" and an outside air temperature sensor shorted to ground displays as "SC".
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
* Driver Information System Schematics (Driver Information System Diagrams)
* Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Driver Information Center (DIC) Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient air temperature sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
• If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the DIC displays "OC".
• If the DIC does not display "OC", test the ambient air temperature sensor signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the DIC.
4. Ignition ON, install a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the DIC displays "SC".
• If the DIC does not display "SC", test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the DIC.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ambient air temperature sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Ambient Air Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement (Ambient Air Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for DIC replacement, setup, and programming.