Dodge SRT Forum banner

Ambient Temp Sensor

377 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  AlmightyFork
Hey Everyone,

My old ambient temp sensor stopped updating (always read 68 degrees) so I replaced it.

Maybe it's normal, but the new one takes forever to get an accurate reading (20+ minutes of driving and it's still +-10 degrees F). After parking in my garage, my intake temps might read up to 40 degrees lower than my ambient temps.

Do I have an issue? Do these sensors just do a slow average to avoid fluctuations?
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
I don't have any direct experience with this.
But the following from the Factory Service Manual section 8M-4 may help.
I guess you will need a Multimeter.
Good luck.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The ambient temperature sensor can be diagnosed using the following Sensor Test, and Sensor Circuit Test. If the temperature sensor and circuit are confirmed to be OK, but the temperature display is inoperative or incorrect, replace the compass/temperature display. SENSOR TESTING

(1) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector.

(2) Measure the resistance of the ambient temperature sensor. At room temperature (approx. 68°F), the sensor resistance should be between 9-11 Kilohms (9000-11000 ohms). The sensor resistance should read between these two values. If OK, refer to Sensor Circuit Testing below. If not OK, replace the faulty ambient temperature sensor. SENSOR CIRCUIT TESTING (1) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector and the NGC engine controller wire harness connector. (2) Connect a jumper wire between the two terminals in the body half of the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector.

(3) Check for continuity between the sensor return circuit and the ambient temperature sensor signal circuit cavities of the NGC engine controller wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open sensor return circuit or ambient temperature sensor signal circuit to the ambient temperature sensor as required.

4) Remove the jumper wire from the body half of the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector. Check for continuity between the sensor return circuit cavity of the NGC engine controller wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, replace the compass/ temperature display unit. If not OK, repair the shorted sensor return circuit as required
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Thank you. I guess I should've started there. Anyone's observations are still welcome as I'm probably not in a giant rush to do this.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Bump for anyone who's car might see a rapid 20 degree outside variance (eg. moving indoors to outdoors). I would greatly appreciate it if you could observe your ambient temperature sensor.
How are you seeing the temps, scan gauge?
DiabloSport Trinity.

Indoor/outdoor temps are getting closer and my readings are getting more accurate. It's not stuck on any particular temp. It just seems to take a long time to get an accurate ambient temp reading. 10-20 minutes of driving will get my reading within +-5 degrees of weather.com
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Top