2001 SE - Outside Temp Going Crazy

[fixit1070]

Can anyone tell me why my outside temperature reading on the dash display might be going crazy.It has been reading around 133 degrees and sometimes goes to err.
Does anyone know where the sensor is located in the vehicle?

My other question is with the is sensor not reading correctly will this have any other effect on the vehicle performance?

[wiswind]

I am going to guess that the bad reading will not cause vehicle performance issues.
I own a much older windstar, which does not have a outside temperature readout......so I do not know where that sensor would be.

The sensor that the computer uses for Input Air Temp is located inside the big flex hose that goes from the air filter box to the throttle body.
I doubt that they use that as a outside air temperature reading for the dashboard.....
Someone will correct me if I am wrong.

The engine temperature gauge even uses a separate sensor than the one for the engine computer (PCM)....even though the 2 coolant temperature sensors are located right next to each other.

[12Ounce]

The outside temp sensor is located below/front of the radiator. About center of car ... left/right. Pointy plastic thing.. bout 1/2" dia, 2" long.

[fixit1070]

Is this a part that is able to be replaced ?

[12Ounce]

Easily! (Just takes money at the parts counter.)

[fixit1070]

Anyone Happen To Know The Part Number ??

Thanks