Exterior Air Temp Sensor

[dpalomaki]

Just had my second sensor die, car has 94K miles. The sensor starts to give too high readings, e.g., 130 degrees for outside air temp on a 78 degree day. Not en expensive part (about $16) and not hard to replace, just an aggravation to deal with it.

Anyone else have similar problems?

[enslow]

In my experience with these kind of sensors, it's not necessarily the sensor itself. I'd try cleaning the sensor itself, and clean all electrical connectors and grounds. There is probably a voltage or resistance profile for the sensor itself so that you can verify that the sensor is working properly.

At least, that's the case with my Grand Marquis. I know the Buick will be different, but I wouldn't be surprised that the principle is the same.

[dpalomaki]

In both cases, the resistance of the sensor was much too low compared to the table in the FSM. For what ever reason, the sensor appears to age and suddenly start to drop its resistance. It is a sealed-in-plastic thing, no place to adjust or clean. If it was a contact corrosion the resistance would increase and give a lower temperature reading. I've substituted a fixed resistor for the sensor, and the ext. temp reading is as expected for the resistance value, telling me the circuit and electronics are OK.

[enslow]

OK, I guess the Mercury temperature sensors are more robust. I'm not trying to make a plug for Mercury, GM makes better door lock actuators. I'd rather change a temperature sensor than 4 door lock actuators.

Is that $16 for a GM part or an aftermarket version?

[dpalomaki]

$16 for a GM/Delco part at Rockauto.