Outside Air Temperature Display Inaccurate or Inoperative
Outside Air Temperature Display Inaccurate or Inoperative
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The ambient air temperature sensor is a variable resistor interfaced to the body control module (BCM). The BCM monitors the ambient air temperature sensor. The ambient air temperature sensor is a 2-wire negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. The BCM applies 5 volts to an internal input resistor connected to the signal circuit of the ambient air temperature sensor. The BCM also provides the low reference circuit to the ambient air temperature sensor. When the ambient air temperature is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the signal voltage is high. When the ambient air temperature is hot, the sensor resistance is low and the signal voltage is low. The BCM provides the logic for reading the ambient air temperature sensor, filtering the data and transmitting the information via the serial data circuit to the driver information center (DIC) for display. The ambient air temperature is sent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in Degrees Celsius. The IPC is responsible for displaying the ambient air temperature and converting to Degrees Fahrenheit. Two serial data signals are ultimately generated. An un-filtered value and a filtered value for use by the DIC display. The BCM also provides the sensor out-of-range detection and compensates for engine temperature by utilizing vehicle speed and engine off time duration.
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 ambient air temperature sensor low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
• If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Ambient Air Temperature Sensor parameter is greater than 4.7 volts.
• If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the ambient air temperature sensor signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Ambient Air Temperature Sensor parameter is less than 0.4 volt.
• If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the BCM.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ambient temperature sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure. Verification Tests
* Ambient Air Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement
* Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming