My 2004 F150 has the small display compass heading and outside air temp display. The temp consistently reads 12-14 degrees below the actual temp outside. Now that we are enjoying winter weather, I really would like an accurate outside temperature reading. I suspect the sensor is bad and would like to swap it out myself (what could go wrong?) Can anyone advise where the sensor is located, what it looks like and the relative difficulty of doing this myself (is there more to this than jsut plugging a new sensor in?)

 

they are located in front of the radiator and a/c condensor, on the verticle support for the hood latch. there are a couple things attached to the support, but the one you want is on top, and has a pointed shaft on the top of it. just a couple retaining tabs hold it into the plug.

 

Thanks for the reply, I will be checking that out tomorrow ! Hopefully it is a relatively inexpensive part available at teh neighborhood parts store.

 

i would bet that its fairly cheap, but i would also bet that its only available at the dealership...... at least thats how my luck seems to go !!!

 

There was also a PCM uodate which addressed incorrect temperature readings. If the sensor doesn't fix the problem you may have to take it to a dealership to be reflashed.

 

Thanks for the additional info !