A/C temperature intake sensor mystery

[Boxster Boy]

So I have scoured factory manuals and the internet to no avail. My A/C is not working due to the compressor being in 'CAN shutdown' state. This is because the 'Air intake temperature sensor' reads -42 degrees. I found the one linked to the AC condenser on Pelican and bought one just to have it.

After much digging I found that there are two sensors and the computer takes the lowest reading. If that reading is below 38 degrees it will not allow the compressor to engage.

Now here comes the problem. I cannot for the life of me find that sensor. The one up front behind the grill is easy, that one is working fine. But I have only found reference to the one in the ventilation system for condenser intake temp. I removed the glove box, cabin air filter and blower fan. I only see what might be a humidity sensor in the air path. Do I need to pull the whole dash off? I have poked around with a mirror but cannot find the location of the sensor.

For reference the sensor that I am looking for is part# 1H0-907-543-A-M5262

Anyone have any hints or suggestions? I really want A/C back!

I have only found one mention of this kind of issue and the result was 'a bad wire'. But that was after extensive work was done to the car. I want to find out if it is the sensor itself or a bad connection.

Thanks in advance!

And here is a fun image of some of the other projects that I have been working on.

[Loren]

1. Switch off ignition and remove ignition key.

2. From the driver's side, reach around to the "driver's footwell" air vent to release and disconnect the electrical connector a.

3. Turn temperature sensor through 90° and pull it out of the heating/air conditioner unit.

Install is the reverse.

[Boxster Boy]

Thanks, that is exactly the diagram I was looking for. However the sensor isn't there... Here is the photo:

[Loren]

The picture is on the drivers side - yes?

What is the yellow sensor in your picture then?

[Boxster Boy]

I circled the mold outline of where the sensor should be according to the diagram. The yellow is the lever arm for a flap adjusting servo. I can get a better picture tomorrow. The photo is looking up from the drivers foot well with the foot-well air vent removed.

This is an early '05. Maybe there were some more running changes? I also pulled the stereo out to get a better view of the center and no luck spotting a sensor. I have the sensor that I am looking for in a baggie so I have a visual reference of what to look for. I appreciate the help, May have to step back and do a sanity check again.

Thanks again!

-Greg

Edited August 30, 2011 by Boxster Boy

[JordonMusser]

Curious if you ever resolved this? I have the same issue. Yes its 12 years old :)

[Spork]

On 2/25/2023 at 8:33 PM, JordonMusser said:

Curious if you ever resolved this? I have the same issue. Yes its 12 years old 🙂

Because I feel it would be helpful considering how much time I've wasted looking for the solution to the same/similar problem I'll add that the original information added by admin Loren was for the "outlet temp" and not intake temperature. My AC isn't working below 80 degrees due to my "intake temperature" showing about 45°f lower than ambient which keeps compressor from cycling.  From hrs spent searching it seems that reading comes from the MAF.  I'll be replacing soon and will hopefully remember to update the results.

 

Update: Finally got around to replacing the maf, but no change.  I'm at a loss and can't believe this is still unresolved.  

Edited September 15 by Spork
Update: New MAF, no improvement.