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.
External Temperature Display
The external temperature is displayed when the EXT button is pressed. While the actual external temperature can vary continuously, the value that is displayed will update at a specific rate depending on whether or not the engine is "hot" and whether or not the vehicle is moving.
When the external temperature is rising, the display will update slowly. Updates (when the actual external temperature is higher than currently displayed value) will be limited to 0.6°C (1°F) every 20 seconds while the vehicle is moving at 40 km/h (25 mph) or greater for more than 90 seconds, or 0.6°C (1°F) every 20 minutes if the vehicle is not moving at this speed. This is to prevent the heat from the engine compartment from affecting the accuracy of the display.
When the external temperature is dropping, the display will update quickly.
Updates (when the actual external temperature is lower than currently displayed value) will only be limited to 0.6°C (1°F) every 2 seconds (regardless of vehicle speed). Consequently, the display will essentially follow the drop experienced by the external temperature thermistor.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.