Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Outside Air Temperature Display Inaccurate or Inoperative




Outside Air Temperature Display Inaccurate or Inoperative

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (with HP2) (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview)Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (without HP2) (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

The inside rearview mirror (ISRVM) applies 5 volts to the ambient air temperature sensor. The ambient air temperature sensor is a thermistor which varies in resistance as the temperature changes. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor increases, the ISRVM senses a larger voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a lower temperature. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor decreases, the ISRVM senses a smaller voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a higher temperature.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Inside Rearview Mirror Schematics (Inside Rearview Mirror Schematics)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Automatic Day-Night Mirror Description and Operation (Automatic Day-Night Mirror Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Diagnostic Aids

The following table will be used to measure the resistance of the sensor and compare it with the actual ambient temperature. The mirror's temperature accuracy should be within 5 degrees of the actual temperature. The actual temperature should not be taken from a radio station, a sign displaying the temperature, etc. A temperature measuring tool such as a thermometer should be used. Some temperature measuring tools may be within 5 degrees of the actual temperature. Make sure to consult the manufacturer for the accuracy of the tool. This comparison can make the mirror seem off by 5-10 degrees of the actual temperature when it is not.





Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient air temperature sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.

If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ISRVM.

3. Ignition ON, verify that OC is displayed on the ISRVM display.

If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal replace the ISRVM.

4. Ignition ON, install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify that SC is displayed on the ISRVM display.

If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ISRVM.

5. If all circuits test normal, replace the ambient air temperature sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ISRVM replacement, setup, and programming
* Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement (DF5) (Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement (DF5))Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement (CJ2) (Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement (CJ2))