Temp reading -38 degrees in 90 + weather!

[black98gtp]

I posted a little while back about the Auto climate control going nuts on my 98 Grand Prix GTP. Unfortunately I did not get any response. I hope someone can help, I am going to a repair shop next week.

The outside temp reading is stuck at 50 degrees even in this 90+ degree weather. Everytime it rains the outside temp reading drops in a matter of seconds to -39 degrees and will only blow very hot air out of the vents, eventhough I have it set to 60 degrees AC on high. This causes dangerous driving conditions to say the least. It used to only happen in very heavy rain, now if it is humid out or sprinkling the same thing happens.

Anyway I have an appointment to have my car looked at next week and being that I am a woman I get treated like I know nothing about cars... Since, in this case, I actually do not know anything about what the exact problem is I do not want to be taken to the cleaners. Has anyone had this trouble? If so, what needed to be repaired so that I do not go into this blind and about how much did it cost?

I have enjoyed the helpful information on this forum. You all are a wealth of information.
Thank you!
Christine

[Ripn12s]

Christine,

Hope you read this before you take car in. It sounds like the Ambient (sp) Air Temp sensor has gone bad.

Open the hood of your car, look between the front bumper and radiator. On the left side (you facing car) you should see a sensor. First make sure it's plugged in, if not go to your local dealership and ask for a new sensor. I think that it cost around $8 bucks.

I accidently broke my sensor when I was messing around with a resistor mod. Replace sensor, and at first didnt seem to fix it but after a few driving cycles it was fixed.

Hope this helps

Tim

[Flatrater]

After replacing the sensor you need to drive the car for roughly 10 miles to recalibrate the sensor.

[gjimerson]

I have a White 2000 GTP and recently began experiencing this problem. I am not sure what it is but I suspect it has something to do with the ambient temperature sensor. When it's around 90 degrees or hotter, the temp reading begans to decrease and stays at 38 degrees untile the outside temp decreases. Please provide any information you might have.

[black98gtp]

Thanks tons!

I just got back from driving my car around, and I am happy to report it is reading an accurate 91 degrees. I bet when the car was repaired after my car accident they did not reconnect the sensor. I found the connection just hanging there.

I plugged it in, turned on the car and the temp began to rise. It is the first time in awhile my auto air has worked correctly!

You all are great and saved me some cash!
Christine

[Ripn12s]

Glad everything worked out.

[grandprixgt300]

does anyone have a picture of exactly where this sensor is, i am having the same problem but i can't find it...thanks in advance

[Ripn12s]

what year gp do u have

[Ripn12s]

if you have 99-03 then your going to have to remove the plastic by the hood latch to see it. Or you could get under the car and look infront of the radiator on the pass. side.

[grandprixgt300]

yea i have a 99, so that explains it...thanx for the input

[GTPgirl]

In a 99+, it's easier to see and get to from underneath, I had this problem, had to change my Ambient Air Sensor. Lie down on the passenger side and scoot far enough under that you can see the gap between the front bumper and the radiator and look up. You'll see this little thing stuck to the back of the bumper. That'd be the sensor. takes about 2 minutes to change.