Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Air Temperature Sensor: Notes
The air temperature sensors are a 2-wire negative temperature co-efficient thermistor. The vehicle uses the following air temperature sensors:
- Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
- Inside Air Temperature Sensor Assembly
- Upper Left Air Temperature Sensor
- Upper Right Air Temperature Sensor
- Lower Left Air Temperature Sensor
- Lower Right Air Temperature Sensor
- Upper Air Temperature Sensor - Auxiliary
- Lower Air Temperature Sensor - Auxiliary
A signal and low reference circuit enables the sensor to operate. As the air temperature surrounding the sensor increases, the sensor resistance decreases. The sensor signal voltage decreases as the resistance decreases. The sensor operates within a temperature range between -40° to +101°C (-40° to +215°F). The sensor signal varies between 0-5 volts.
The input of the duct air temperature sensors are different from the ambient and inside air temperature sensors. The HVAC control module converts the signal to a range between 0-255 counts. As the air temperature increases the count value will decrease. If the HVAC control module or auxiliary HVAC control module detects a malfunctioning sensor, then the control module software will use a defaulted air temperature value. The default value for the ambient and inside air temperature sensors will be displayed on the scan tool. The default value for the duct air temperature sensors will not be displayed on the scan tool. The scan tool parameter for the duct air temperature sensors are the actual state of the signal circuit. The default action ensures that the HVAC system can adjust the inside air temperature near the desired temperature until the condition is corrected.
The ambient air temperature sensor mounts underhood and can be affected by city traffic, by idling, and by restarting a hot engine. Therefore, the HVAC control module filters the value of the ambient air temperature sensor for temperature display. The ambient air temperature value is updated under the following conditions:
| Condition | Display |
|---|---|
| At start up with the engine off less than 2 hours | Displays last stored temperature |
| At start up with the engine off more than 2 hours | Displays real-time temperature |
| Engine coolant temperature is less than 28°C (50°F) above the ambient air temperature | Displays real-time temperature |
| Vehicle speed above 32 km/h (20 mph) for a minimum of 80 seconds | Displays real-time temperature |
| Vehicle speed above 72 km/h (45 mph) | Displays real-time temperature |
| Sensor reading is less than the last displayed value | Displays real-time temperature |
The scan tool has the ability to update the displayed ambient air temperature. To update the ambient air temperature display on the HVAC control module, perform the following procedure: Turn ON the ignition. Simultaneously press the A/C and Recirc switches for 5 seconds.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.