Outside Temp gauge only reads 130 or -32

[MHowell]

I just got my 2003 2500 a week or so ago and one of the many things that is bothering me that I am trying to figure out is the outside temp gauge will only read 130 degrees or -32 degrees. How do I fix this? Is it a computer issue, or some kind of part i need to fix? Suggestions?

 

[MickeyMiller]

MHowell... Where the H*** do you live that gets hotter than 130* and colder than -32*? Any why do you live there?

 

[MHowell]

you dont understand my question, that is the temp range that it reads, those are the only two readings i can get. it either says 130 or -32. nothing in between. geez.

 

[Grizzly]

It sounds like the sending unit has gone out.

 

[Ducman82]

little plastic cone lookin thing on the driverside of the rad coresupport behind the grill. real easy to replace

 

[Crunch]

I just got my 2003 2500 a week or so ago and one of the many things that is bothering me that I am trying to figure out is the outside temp gauge will only read 130 degrees or -32 degrees. How do I fix this? Is it a computer issue, or some kind of part i need to fix? Suggestions?

My truck has had the same problem since I bought it new in 2003. They replaced the sensor behind the grill but it didn't fix the problem. I think I took it in twice, but no problem was ever found. The temerature seems to read accurately when it is cold out. But when it is about 80* or so it pretty much sits at 130*. Sometimes it will just go haywire and read something different every few minutes.

 

[DBentley]

my 06 did the samething long with the domelight timing out too soon. I pulled both + batt terminals and left it for 45 min and its been fine for 7 months now. Mabey try that and save a wasted day at the dealer

 

[MHowell]

little plastic cone lookin thing on the driverside of the rad coresupport behind the grill. real easy to replace

I might be missing some chromosomes or something and can't seem to find it. Anyone have a picture of it? Part #? Anything? I'm wondering if it is just unplugged or something since I cant find it.

 

[rbattelle]

Here's a blurry photo of the sensor. That's the driver-side of the vehicle.



Ryan

 

[MHowell]

is it just hanging there, or is it attached to something. I'm 99% sure mine is just missing alltogether. I just found an electrical plug dangling under the driver's headlight. Dang. Anyone have a part number for this thing.

 

[rbattelle]

It's attached to a metal bracket, which secures it in place. Part number is 56042395 for 2003. Not sure whether that number has changed in later years.



Metal bracket to which it attaches is 56045658AA.



Ryan

 

[MHowell]

It's attached to a metal bracket, which secures it in place. Part number is 56042395 for 2003. Not sure whether that number has changed in later years.



Metal bracket to which it attaches is 56045658AA.



Ryan

Thank you kindly.

 

[ScottLewis]

If the sensor is missing and you still have radical readings, test out the circuit before buying a new sensor. Parts places often won't accept returns on electronic parts.



SENSOR CIRCUIT TEST

(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Unplug the ambient temperature sensor wire harness

connector and the overhead console wire harness

connector.

(2) Connect a jumper wire between the two terminals

in the body half of the sensor wire harness connector.

(3) Check for continuity between the sensor return

circuit and the ambient temperature sensor signal

circuit cavities of the overhead console wire harness

connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go to

Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.

(4) Remove the jumper wire from the ambient temperature

sensor wire harness connector. Check for

continuity between the sensor return circuit cavity of

the overhead console wire harness connector and a

good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go

to Step 5. If not OK, repair the short circuit as

required.

(5) Check for continuity between the ambient temperature

sensor signal circuit cavity of the overhead

console wire harness connector and a good ground.

There should be no continuity. If OK, see Compass

and Thermometer Display Module in the Diagnosis

and Testing section of this group. If not OK, repair

the short circuit as required.



Dan

 

[WUnderwood]

well, I took the sensor off, because I thought it was the airbag sensor, and I was taking the headlights out a lot. I had 130* on the overhead FOREVER. I had the sensor in my toolbox, read this post, went and plugged it in. 61*! who hooo! thanks TDR