External Temperature & AC have lost it

[jpkhtown]

We have 2002 TB and recently the external temp gauge will go from reading the accurate outside temp to displaying a temperature between -9 & 45. When this happens the AC stops blowing cold air. I am thinking this may happen since the car now thinks its very cold outside when in fact is not (we live in Houston). Has anyone had this happen to them? If so, is there a do it yourself fix? Also, what is the best way to find out if there are any technical service bulletins related to this issue? This same thing happened to my dad's TB, but they live up north so they haven’t noticed any problems with the AC.

Thanks.

[Reidster]

I live in Florida and experienced the same issue with the external temp. I have not noticed the A/C problem you're having. The problem is intermitent. Don't know of any fixes. I haven't brought it in because I can't replicate it for the service department.

[trailsharky]

my temp reading on the mirror went to some weird thing. I think a large C (not the celius indicator) and a minus sign
ended up being a loose connector. didn't affect my heater or AC though

[Reidster]

Were you able to fix the loose connection? If so, how did you fix it?

[Senderofan]

Don't know if this is similar to ya'll. But, just had our '04 in for some warranty issues.....leaking right front axle seal, replaced turn signal flasher module and......replaced external temp sensor. We were getting strange readings. For example it would be 75 out and it would read 95....always higher than what the actual temp was out. We have the dual zone climate control...and it really made it difficult to get the A/C just right. I must admit I haven't thoroughly read the manual.....still haven't figured out how to just set it to have just outside air vented in....other than lowering down the windows. But a very frustrating deal with that stupid outside temp sensor...........sometimes this high tech gizmo stuff really sucks!!! I like my simple manual set-up in my pickup!

Wayne

[markbair]

Hi

I have an '03 so I don't know if this will apply to you or not, but my temp gauge appeared to be off as well. I took it too the deaker and there is a way to reset the sensor to the new temp. Just give it a shot.

I also have dual climate controls, so this may/may not work for you. He gave me the paper and it says,

1. Turn the ignition on
2. Simultaneously press the MODE, FRONT DEFROST, and REAR DEFROST switches

This should reset the sensor the actual outside temperature. Just a shot in the dark though. The sensor may indeed be going bad.

Hope this helps!

[Senderofan]

Thanks for the reset information. Have you been able to use the system simply to vent outside air in?? Say while driving at night....for some fresh air.

Thanks again,

Wayne

[markbair]

You mean if you don't select "Auto" mode?? You should be able to put it into manual mode, and not select "A/C". This should vent outside air in...unless I am totally out in left field...

[Senderofan]

I've messed around a bit with the system....but can't seem to just get vent. It's my wife's vehicle so I don't drive it much. But she complained....so I'm trying to get it figured out.

So....I'm probably in left field.....guess that means I really do need to read the manual. Boo Hiss!!

Thanks,

Wayne

[trailsharky]

sorry, forgot to come back here for a few days due to a new job keeping me busy. The lose connector was diagnosed and fixed by the dealer. it needed an oil change and state inspection at the same time so I had them check it out