Where is external temperature sensor on the Bronco?

[DenNut]

I'm noticed that at times the external temperature on my Bronco goes crazy and records a temperature that is WAY off. As an example, I was driving to lunch today and it started out as 81 deg (my watch and weather app said 82), so great! 10 minutes later it said 92 deg for about 5 minutes, and then it went back down to 80 deg. The other day it said 101.

In talking to other people, it sounds like this is a common thing. It's not a big deal, but it makes me wonder, where is the temp being read? Either the sensors are bad or the location is less than desirable.

Mostly, though, I'm just curious.

Sponsored

 

[sda3]

It is in the driver side rearview mirror assembly, if thats what you are asking.

 

[Hemisfear]

I'm noticed that at times the external temperature on my Bronco goes crazy and records a temperature that is WAY off. As an example, I was driving to lunch today and it started out as 81 deg (my watch and weather app said 82), so great! 10 minutes later it said 92 deg for about 5 minutes, and then it went back down to 80 deg. The other day it said 101.

In talking to other people, it sounds like this is a common thing. It's not a big deal, but it makes me wonder, where is the temp being read? Either the sensors are bad or the location is less than desirable.

Mostly, though, I'm just curious.

For the Modular Bumper there are 2 sensors behind the plastic bolt covers around the tow hooks.

 

[flip]

I'm noticed that at times the external temperature on my Bronco goes crazy and records a temperature that is WAY off. As an example, I was driving to lunch today and it started out as 81 deg (my watch and weather app said 82), so great! 10 minutes later it said 92 deg for about 5 minutes, and then it went back down to 80 deg. The other day it said 101.

In talking to other people, it sounds like this is a common thing. It's not a big deal, but it makes me wonder, where is the temp being read? Either the sensors are bad or the location is less than desirable.

Mostly, though, I'm just curious.

Did the temp change while driving or after it was parked? The ambient air temp sensor is in the driver's mirror housing. I asked about the temp difference because it will definitely show a higher temp after sitting in the sun after setting. You'll have to drive it, don't quote me on this, but I think it was 30MPH before it starts recalculating again.


Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor

The Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) sensor is an input to the PCM . If the outside air temperature is below approximately 0°C (32°F), the PCM does not allow the A/C compressor clutch to engage.

The PCM sends raw ambient air temperature data to the HVAC control module. The HVAC control module filters the raw data, sends it to the APIM and the touchscreen displays the outside temperature.

 

[DenNut]

Hmm, is it I’m my mirror or my bumper? I could see that metal bumper getting hot in the sun. I kind of want to find these and go put an ice cube on them for fun.

 

[DenNut]

Did the temp change while driving or after it was parked? The ambient air temp sensor is in the driver's mirror housing. I asked about the temp difference because it will definitely show a higher temp after sitting in the sun after setting. You'll have to drive it, don't quote me on this, but I think it was 30MPH before it starts recalculating again.


Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor

The Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) sensor is an input to the PCM . If the outside air temperature is below approximately 0°C (32°F), the PCM does not allow the A/C compressor clutch to engage.

The PCM sends raw ambient air temperature data to the HVAC control module. The HVAC control module filters the raw data, sends it to the APIM and the touchscreen displays the outside temperature.

I was driving on I-25 at about 65 mph

 

[flip]

I was driving on I-25 at about 65 mph

There goes that theory. Usually when these things go they either read way into the negatives or way hot. I'm not finding a test in the shop manual for air temp sensor so my suggestion is keep an eye on it, if it starts going wacky and affects how your A/C is functioning, take it in.

 

[flip]

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. • Using a suitable tool, pry and detach the ambient air temperature sensor bezel from the LH exterior mirror housing.
     Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver
   • Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor electrical connector and remove the ambient air temperature sensor.

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   • If replacing the ambient air temperature sensor a reset must be performed.

 

[0ne]

“Using a suitable tool, pry and detach”

Those kind of instructions never work out well for me and with the Bronco’s plastics spell certain doom.

 

[AZMikeL]

Mirror seems to be a sub-optimal place for it. I notice outdoor temps seems to go up 20+ degrees when going slow offroad. I'm pretty sure this is just cooling the fan kicking engine heat out by the mirrors. Once you get on a fast part, or back on the road and the outdoor temp reads accurate again.

There is no really good place to locate these things in the heat. My old F350 would read in the 130s when parked in the sun in the summer heat. Would come back down to the frigid 115 or so out after driving it a bit.

I did not know about the 30mph thing, but it makes sense given my outside temp does not change until I'm a couple of miles away from the house and can go above 30.

 

[FlyingScot]

I've definitely noticed mine is slow to react in both directions, when I leave the parking garage at work, it takes a solid 5 minutes of driving on the highway to show a believable number

 

[theslide]

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. • Using a suitable tool, pry and detach the ambient air temperature sensor bezel from the LH exterior mirror housing.
     Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver
   • Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor electrical connector and remove the ambient air temperature sensor.

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   • If replacing the ambient air temperature sensor a reset must be performed.

Where did find that install diagram? That seems handy..

 

[RHeinz]

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. • Using a suitable tool, pry and detach the ambient air temperature sensor bezel from the LH exterior mirror housing.
     Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver
   • Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor electrical connector and remove the ambient air temperature sensor.

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   • If replacing the ambient air temperature sensor a reset must be performed.

Flip to the rescue!!!!!

 

[KABQ]

Mine said 128 today... It's damn hot, but not THAT hot

 

[MFP2241]

Did the temp change while driving or after it was parked? The ambient air temp sensor is in the driver's mirror housing. I asked about the temp difference because it will definitely show a higher temp after sitting in the sun after setting. You'll have to drive it, don't quote me on this, but I think it was 30MPH before it starts recalculating.

The last time we were driving on the beach at Assateague Island National Seashore (on an 80 degree day) the Bronco was reading 117 degrees, we never got above 30 mph. After we left the beach, got on pavement, and got up over 30 it came right back down to "normal" readings.

Sponsored