How To Reset Ambient Temperature Sensor in Your Car? new for 2022

Your car’s ambient temperature sensor may need to be reset if you’ve just had your air conditioning system serviced or replaced. Resetting the ambient temperature sensor in your car is a quick and easy process that can be done in less than five minutes. Follow these simple steps on How to reset ambient temperature sensor in your car?.

How To Reset Ambient Temperature Sensor in Your Car?

The ambient air temperature sensor regulates the automation of air conditioning systems. It also sends the exact outside temperature reading to the driver display. If the sensor malfunctions, it must be replaced immediately. To maintain cabin temperature, the bad switch must be repaired or replaced.

Let us now discuss How to reset ambient air temperature sensor:

Locate the Sensor

Make sure you know where the ambient air temperature sensor is before replacing or resetting it. The sensor is located near the front of the engine. It is located directly in front of the radiator or the engine bay.

There is a reason for sensor placement in this location. This is done to keep the sensor away from the heat of the engine. If there is both engine heat and outside temperature around the sensor, the reading will be inaccurate.

Remove the battery

According to expert maintenance advice, you should never touch electrical systems without first disconnecting power from the battery.

Before working on electrical appliances, disconnect the power supplies. Detaching the car battery before resetting the ambient air temperature sensor is another important safety precaution.

Take Out The Sensor

Disconnect the sensor without putting too much strain on the wires. You risk destroying the entire setup and wiring.

Some automobiles also connect the sensor with a screw. So first unscrew it and then remove it properly. To connect the sensor, special plastic terminals are used.

Replace Or Reset The Sensor

After removing the ambient air temperature sensor, you can replace or reset ambient temperature sensor. Some cars have Mode buttons on the sensor that allow you to do so. Alternatively, clean the sensor and replace it, then recheck the reading.

How to Perform an Ambient Temperature Sensor Test

The following are some of the most common symptoms that you may experience if the ambient temperature sensor is damaged or malfunctioning:

Inadequate fuel efficiency

As a result of a faulty ambient temperature sensor, the onboard computer may send an incorrect signal, resulting in improper fuel pressure management.

The engine light comes on.

One of the first signs you’ll notice is the check engine light, which will briefly illuminate. A faulty sensor circuit will illuminate the check engine light, alerting the driver that the vehicle requires repair.

Exhaust black smoke

The ECM may over-enrich the fuel mixture as a result of an incorrect temperature signal, causing it to interfere with the combustion process and stall. Excess fuel is burned in the exhaust pipe, producing a dense, black cloud of smoke.

The engine is overheating

Some vehicles have a coolant temperature sensor separate from the fan, but most use the same sensor for coolant levels.

Inefficient idle

At low speeds, a faulty sensor may cause your car’s engine to vibrate or shake. You will need to reset or uninstall the sensor depending on its condition. Resetting the system will usually suffice and will save you money over upgrading the device.

Location of the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor

The outside or ambient temperature sensor is a sensor located in the front of the vehicle, specifically in the bumper where the grilles that allow air to enter the engine circulate are located.

Why is my car reporting the incorrect outside temperature?

In your car, you will find a variety of instruments. One such instrument can detect the outside temperature of the vehicle. The reading on the thermometer is not always the same as the actual temperature outside your car, but it is accurate in terms of how effective it is.

Because they are exposed to the sun, asphalt and other solid surfaces conduct heat better than the surrounding air. When you get out of your car, your outside temperature sensor is likely reading the temperature of a surface that is much hotter than the air.

How to Reset the Ambient Temperature Sensor: Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, Nissan, and Other Vehicles

What exactly is an ambient temperature sensor?

Your ambient temperature sensor is in charge of informing you of the current outside temperature. It detects the level of hotness or coldness in the car’s surroundings. This sensor then sends a message to the vehicle’s automatic climate control system, which interprets it to determine what the ideal climate should be inside your vehicle.

Does the ambient temperature sensor have any effect on the engine?

Reset ambient temp sensor should have no effect or interfere with your car’s engine. However, it may be related to some power output issues and even fuel consumption.

The only thing that could link engine performance and a malfunctioning ambient sensor is if your auto climate system is set to a high temperature.

Does the ambient air temperature sensor have any effect on the AC?

A faulty ambient sensor can cause temperature fluctuations in your vehicle’s cabin. In the worst-case scenario, the sensor readings could make your vehicle even hotter or colder.

Fortunately, most vehicles allow you to disable the auto climate control feature and manually set your climate controls.

How To Reset The Ford Escape’s Ambient Temperature Sensor

Step 1: Turn On The Engine

The first step is to turn on the vehicle to activate the sensor and your air conditioning system. You can start it manually with your key or use the start-up button if you have one.

Step 2: Change to ‘Drive.’

Change the gear selector to “Drive.” This will aid in the faster calibration of your ambient temperature sensor. Simply engage your parking brake or e-brake to prevent the car from moving forward.

Step 3: Press the ‘AC’ and ‘Max AC’ buttons at the same time.

Hold down the “AC” and “Max AC” buttons at the front of the gear selector for at least two seconds. These are the two large buttons on the dashboard that control the cabin climate.

How To Reset The Ford Fusion’s Ambient Temperature Sensor

Step 1: Disconnect the battery and turn off the vehicle.

Turn off the engine and disconnect the batteries with a wrench. This will protect your vehicle from any electrical damage while working on it.

Step 2: Find the Ambient Temperature Sensor

The ambient temperature sensor is located on top of the bumper near the car’s grille. Another method is to follow the AC lines at the battery’s back. It’s a sensor with a nipple-like plastic protruding from the back and a green patch behind it.

Step 3: Unplug the Sensors’ Wiring

After pulling the first wire, you’ll notice a green arrow plug underneath. You must pull this wire once more by pressing the tab that serves as a release latch.

Remember to be gentle when pulling on this wire, as too much force may cause it to break.

Step 5: Secure the Sensor

Replace your sensors by inserting the secure studs where you removed them. Tighten the locking ring after ensuring they are securely fastened in their holes.

How To Reset The Ford F150’s Ambient Temperature Sensor

A fairly generic rest method for the ambient temp sensor reset is available for the F150. Simply press the “AC” and “Air Circulating” buttons together.

The steps above for accessing the actual sensor are the same as we’ve discussed for other Ford models. To replace the sensor, you must first remove the bumper. You can also have it cleaned and diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine whether it needs to be replaced or simply cleaned.

How to Reset the Ambient Temperature Sensor in a Nissan

Resetting the ambient temperature sensor on most Nissan vehicles is simple. Simply press the “AC” button while also pressing the “Recirculating” button for a few seconds. Your sensor should now be reset.

You can also reset the ambient temperature sensor in your car by locating and replacing it. You can do it yourself or hire a reputable mechanic.

How To Reset A Chevy Silverado’s Ambient Temperature Sensor

The ambient temperature sensor is also located in the front of all GM vehicles (Chevy, GMC, Buick, Cadillac) behind the grille. A similar method will reset and update the ambient sensor in your Chevy Silverado.

How To Reset A Kia’s Ambient Temperature Sensor

A functional ambient temperature sensor will also assist in defogging your inside windshield. You have the option of performing a reset or replacing a broken sensor.

Resetting is simple; simply press the “AC” and “Air Circulating” buttons together to reset the sensor. The replacement process is similar to that of other ambient temperature sensors.

How To Reset A Chevy Malibu’s Ambient Temperature Sensor

The procedure for resetting the ambient temperature sensor in a Chevy Malibu is identical to that of a Chevy Silverado (above). Hold down the “Recirculating” and “AC” buttons together for 3-5 seconds.

How To Reset A Dodge Journey’s Ambient Temperature Sensor

To fully access the air temperature sensor when replacing, inspecting, and resetting it, you must remove the bumper. It is located behind the grille, beneath the radiator. Once you’ve replaced the sensor, you simply need to retrace your steps to activate it.

FAQs: How To Reset Ambient Temperature Sensor in Your Car?