Unusual outside temp sensor behavior

[Jon996]

OK, I will admit that temperatures of -20 are not typical P-car weather, but I do have a question. Twice now, my outside air temp sensor has been stuck at a given temp. Once it was -7, other time -15.

Trying to figure out a pattern, the only thing I can think of was that, in both cases, the car had been subjected to a radical shift in temp. In other words, driven into a warm environment.

In both cases I was able to fix this by unplugging the outside sensor (located in front right grill). This resulted in an error message. Upon replacement, temp was OK again.

Just wondering how unusual this was? Since the sensor is only $16, I will replace it.

[1999Porsche911]

OK, I will admit that temperatures of -20 are not typical P-car weather, but I do have a question. Twice now, my outside air temp sensor has been stuck at a given temp. Once it was -7, other time -15.

Trying to figure out a pattern, the only thing I can think of was that, in both cases, the car had been subjected to a radical shift in temp. In other words, driven into a warm environment.

In both cases I was able to fix this by unplugging the outside sensor (located in front right grill). This resulted in an error message. Upon replacement, temp was OK again.

Just wondering how unusual this was? Since the sensor is only $16, I will replace it.

I have never noticed a problem with my cars, but those extremely cold temps can play havock on a lot of things.

As we all know, those cold temperatures can cause problems with performance on any simuarly shaped devices that stick out the front of a body.

[Loren]

Are you sure there was no ice/snow on the sensor? It is out there in the open.

[Jon996]

Are you sure there was no ice/snow on the sensor? It is out there in the open.

Yes, it is completely clean. Actually, happened just today as I went in to the dealer for an unrelated part (plastic part near the rear of the car). The car and sensor were completely clean. As I left, I noticed it was stuck at -15. Remove/reinsert fixed it.

Last time this happended was a below zero day, but I had recently washed the car.

Just kind of a mystery. Will replace sensor just to see . . .

Thanks for your reply,

Jon

[bonkur]

I'm having the same problem with my outside temp sensor. On 90+ degree days it says its -10 degrees outside... Does anyone know if replacing the sensor with a new one fix this problem??

thanks!!

[Loren]

I'm having the same problem with my outside temp sensor. On 90+ degree days it says its -10 degrees outside... Does anyone know if replacing the sensor with a new one fix this problem??

thanks!!

Find a friend and borrow their sensor to confirm - but that is most likely your problem unless the wire/connector is broken.

[Tool Pants]

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[wwest]

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Most likely the connector/connection.

[bonkur]

Thanks guys. I'll check / clean the connector and see if that makes a difference.

[Jon996]

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That is pretty cold for San Jose.

[PS: no problems since I changed sensors.]