Ambient Air Temp Sensor (how to)
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From: KS
Ambient Air Temp Sensor (how to)
2001 F-150 XLT
The diagnosis:
Overhead console with compass read wrong outside temp. Mine would jump from 5-20 deg F higher then actual. Local Ford Service Dept wanted $100+ (OEM part + labor) to replace sensor - they said the sensor is a common problem on trucks 5+ years old, very rarely is it a wiring/fuse issue.
The part:
Went to Autozone and bought a sensor. Duralast SU2181 for $15. Buy a new one first so you can locate the one on the vehicle easier.
The location:
When standing in front of the truck. Look in between the slats of the grill on the drivers side. Just left of the headlight. Look up. A plug on the right, a thin nut on the left, the bracket in the middle.
The labor:
My grill slats have a big opening, so I could barely do it with the grill in place, you might have to remove the grill first (this might be why the dealer charges so high). On the actual sensor on the right I used a 25mm open end wrench to hold it still. On the little nut on the left, I used a 15/16" deep socket with a 3/8" drive stubby flex head ratchet, I would actually turn this one. Once it is off, then I would take off the connector. On the new sensor, put Dielectric Grease on the 2 plug tips. Then put the new one back in opposite of taking the old one out.
The diagnosis:
Overhead console with compass read wrong outside temp. Mine would jump from 5-20 deg F higher then actual. Local Ford Service Dept wanted $100+ (OEM part + labor) to replace sensor - they said the sensor is a common problem on trucks 5+ years old, very rarely is it a wiring/fuse issue.
The part:
Went to Autozone and bought a sensor. Duralast SU2181 for $15. Buy a new one first so you can locate the one on the vehicle easier.
The location:
When standing in front of the truck. Look in between the slats of the grill on the drivers side. Just left of the headlight. Look up. A plug on the right, a thin nut on the left, the bracket in the middle.
The labor:
My grill slats have a big opening, so I could barely do it with the grill in place, you might have to remove the grill first (this might be why the dealer charges so high). On the actual sensor on the right I used a 25mm open end wrench to hold it still. On the little nut on the left, I used a 15/16" deep socket with a 3/8" drive stubby flex head ratchet, I would actually turn this one. Once it is off, then I would take off the connector. On the new sensor, put Dielectric Grease on the 2 plug tips. Then put the new one back in opposite of taking the old one out.
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2008, air, air sensor, air temp, ambient, ambient sensor, compass, f150, ford, how to, outside air, outside temp, sensor, temp sensor, tenp
