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.
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
The ambient air temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor that provides the automatic temperature control (ATC) module with an input of external air temperature. The sensor is hard wired to the engine control module (ECM) and its signal is transmitted to the instrument cluster on the high speed controller area network (CAN) bus. The instrument cluster acts as a gateway and transmits the ambient air temperature signal to the automatic temperature control (ATC) module on the medium speed controller area network (CAN) bus. The sensor is mounted on the vehicle center line behind the lower front grill, and can be accessed from underneath the vehicle.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.