Outside Temp Sensor

[TopherS]

I can't tell if my outside temp sensor is working properly or not.

This morning, I drove my son to the bus stop. It was 25'F outside (according to the TV News, the radio and my outdoor thermometer), but the car was in the garage, so the temp readout showed 55'F. As I drove to the corner, it went (very slowly) down into the 40's, but then sat there. I left the car running while we waited for the bus (about 5 minutes) and then after, I drove back to the house. The readout still showed in the low 40's. Then, about 20 minutes later, I left for work and the readout said 36'F and by the time I got to work, it was at about 30'F.

I have noticed that when it is cold like this, that it the readout changes very slowly as I go to work. I sometimes notice that after 15-20 minutes, when I arrive at work, that the temp is still not yet where I believe it should be. But, if the car is sitting out in the cold and I start it up, it will readout what I believe it should. I have also noticed similar "delays" when leaving the garage and driving around in the heat. Takes a long while for the temp readout to show the actual outside temp.

When driving around for a while (say an hour or so), I notice that my readout seems fairly correct. I try not to give too much credence to all the roadside signs with time/temp on them, but use them as somewhat of a guide.

What I am wondering is... 1) normally, how fast should the temp readout change when there is a significant change, going from one environment to another (eg - from garage to below freezing temps...or garage to near 100'F heat)...mine changes about 1'F every 6-10 seconds or so... and 2) if something were to be malfunctioning, would it be the little sensor by the radiator or is it a computer thing or something within the AC unit in the dash?

Any help would be appreciated.

[HotZ28]

Your OS temp sensor may be getting LAZY

BTW: it is in front of the radiator
They only cost about 15 bucks at Advanced Auto Parts and look like this:

[TopherS]

Thanks. I ordered one from the dealer today...$20.89. Much less than I anticipated from the dealer. I went to 4 different autoparts stores last night and no one carries these sensors...all said this is a dealer item. Even the Buick dealer had to order it.

[Bassasasin]

Shoot... I just got me a junker... but whatever works.. The junker was off a couple degrees it seemed but who really cares ...

They do fail.. good to know.

Good Luck.

[gumped]

I had one fail on one of my two 91 Park Avenues. No problem replacing it.

As for the slow temp change. The sensor could have been hit and knocked in towards the radiator. Which would throw off the ambient air temp that it's supposed to be reading. Also, if the sun is shining on front end of the car, it too will cause the reading to be wrong.

[TopherS]

Thanks, Gumped. Actually, that is probably what happened to my sensor, but I suspect it is due to a minor fender-bender. My grille touches and has rubbed through the paint on the bumper, my hood/fenders don't line up quite right and my hood latch is just about to break (the catch hinges on a pin that is breaking off). I have suspected all along that the car was in an accident. I was assured by the dealer when I bought it that there's no report of damage to the car (and the prior owner ALWAYS serviced/repaired the car at the same dealer, even for the oil changes). However, the hood and fenders have original theft-deterrent numerical stickers and there's no sign of overspray at all in the compartment, so I figure whatever accident that may have happened was very minor. I'm willing to bet that the sensor was knocked during the accident and it is causing it to fail and it may have been moved. I'll check it out further when I get the new one and have to replace it.