Hi, anyone know how to get my ambient air temp readout to read anything other than -40. I have changed the sensor by the drivers side front wheel but still -40 during summer. Any ideas ?

Also can the wiring diagrams be got online for explorers ?

 

I believe that is an open circuit... check to see that the wiring at the readout is fully plugged in.

 

Thanks, Any idea how to gain access to the back of the read out without destroying the panel ?

 

Do these tests from the sensor connector itself


B1 CHECK FOR PROPERLY INSTALLED SENSOR


Verify the thermometer sensor is properly installed and fully connected.


Is the thermometer sensor properly installed and fully connected?
Yes
GO to B2 .

No
REINSTALL or RECONNECT the thermometer sensor. TEST the system for normal operation.
B2 CHECK THERMOMETER SENSOR FUNCTION
Remove the thermometer sensor.

Measure the resistance between thermometer sensor terminal 1 and terminal 2 at an ambient temperature of 18°-29.5°C (65°-85°F). Check for intermittent readings.


Is the resistance between 8,000 ohms and 14,000 ohms?
Yes
GO to B3 .

No
REPLACE the thermometer sensor. TEST the system for normal operation.
B3 CHECK SENSOR CIRCUIT FEED FOR OPEN


Compass And Thermometer C902


Measure the resistance between compass and thermometer C342-9, circuit 233 (DB/Y), and thermometer sensor C194-1, circuit 233 (DB/Y).


Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to B4 .

No
REPAIR circuit 233 (DB/Y) and/or BK wire to compass and thermometer C902-5. TEST the system for normal operation.
B4 CHECK SENSOR CIRCUIT RETURN FOR OPEN

Measure the resistance between compass and thermometer C342-10, circuit 234 (DB/W), and thermometer sensor C194-2, circuit 234 (DB/W).


Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to B5 .

No
REPAIR circuit 234 (DB/W) and/or BK wire to compass and thermometer C902-6. TEST the system for normal operation.
B5 CHECK SENSOR CIRCUITS FOR SHORT

Measure the resistance between thermometer sensor C194-1, circuit 233 (DB/Y), and C194-2, circuit 234 (DB/W).

Measure the resistance between thermometer sensor C194-1, circuit 233 (DB/Y), and ground; and between thermometer sensor C194-2, circuit 234 (DB/W), and ground.


Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes
RECONNECT the thermometer sensor. GO to B6 .

No
REPAIR circuit(s) 233 (DB/Y) and/or 234 (DB/W). TEST the system for normal operation.
B6 CHECK TEMPERATURE ACCURACY
Drive the vehicle for three minutes above 56 km/h (35 mph) (sustained).


Does the display show the proper outside air temperature?
Yes
Outside air temperature function is OK.

No
REPLACE the compass and thermometer. SET the zone; REFER to Compass Zone Adjustment . CALIBRATE the compass; REFER to Calibration Adjustment . TEST the system for normal operation.

 

If you replaced the sensor you should have driven the car at over 35mph for 3 minutes to get the system to reset.

 

Many thanks, I will get on with the wiring checks tomorrow only problem is there are 2 sensors that seem to be on the same loom, 1 has a pointed end and the other blunt. Do you know which one the ambient temp is and what the other on is as they both look like temp sensors

Cheers

TOM

 

Should be the pointed one. Dont know what the other thing is you see, as according to schematic the outside ambient sensor, inside ambient sensor, and sunload sensor share one side of their circuit. Sunload and inside sensors are under the dash. You may be seeing an airbag connector of some kind of a blind plug.

 

Upon further review looking at the component location charts, the vehicle has an outside air temp sensor and an ambient air temp sensor.. confusing to me..

I would have to assume outside air temp sensor is for vehicles without Electronic Automatic Air Conditioning and simply has a compass with temp readout. Im looking at a 1999 since you did not post year.

The Ambient sensor appears to mount high on the core support and pointed verticle, where the outside air temp sensor mounts directly behind center area of grille and horizontal from the drawing.

 

That kinda makes sense as they are so close and look so similar. My explorer is a 97.

Cheers

TOM

 

My 97 manual does not show the locations but does still list connector 196 as the Ambient temp sensor for EATC electronic AC

 

Any idea where I could get my hands on a similar manual, I have checked ebay but no joy and the local ford dealers have a huge lead time.

 

If you ask your dealer very nicely they may burn you a copy of the pages you need. We do in our shop regularly. Since I work for a dealer I have it on DVD so I dont have any other reliable suggestions to offer you other than maybe a Haynes manual from the parts store or online on CD from various places.