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.
Evaporator Discharge Air Temperature Sensor
The evaporator discharge air temperature sensor contains a thermistor which receives a reference voltage from the PCM. The thermistor then varies the resistance to the reference voltage based on the evaporator discharge air temperature. The resulting voltage is returned to the PCM where it is interpreted as an evaporator discharge air temperature reading.
The PCM maintains evaporator core temperature and prevents icing of the evaporator core, by disengaging the A/C compressor clutch (non-hybrid) or decreasing the electric A/C compressor speed (hybrid) when the evaporator discharge air temperature sensor reading falls below acceptable levels, and by engaging the A/C compressor clutch (non-hybrid) or increasing the electric A/C compressor speed (hybrid) when the discharge air temperature rises above acceptable levels.
The evaporator discharge air temperature sensor is located inside of the heater core and evaporator core housing in the air-stream leaving the evaporator core.
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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.