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.
In-Car Temperature Sensor: Description
The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) in-car temperature sensor returns electrical signals to the Body Control Module (BCM). The in-car temperature sensor is used on ATC equipped vehicles only. The in-car temperature sensor is made up of two parts. One part is the in-car sensor aspirator motor assembly, and the second part is a temperature thermistor. The in-car sensor aspirator motor assembly attaches to the back of the ATC Control head (Fig 1 ). This assembly has a small fan and a motor which draws air through the intake on the front of the ATC control. The in-car sensor thermistor is located inside of the ATC Control Head. The in-car sensor aspirator motor is part of the ATC Control and not a separate serviceable part. The ATC Control must be replaced if there is a fault relating to the motor. The in-car temperature sensor thermistor is part of the ATC Control and not a separate serviceable part. One must replace the ATC Control if the ATC self-diagnostics indicates a fault code. (Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SELF DIAGNOSTICS )
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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.