I have a 2015 Ford Fusion, and the outside temperature on the info screen shows -39 degrees, even though it’s over 70 degrees in NYC. I replaced the ambient air temperature sensor, cleaned the connector, and unplugged the car battery to reset it. After all that, the temperature went up to 18 degrees but then dropped back to -39. Any ideas on what to do next?
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To reset a car’s ambient temperature sensor, you can follow these steps: identify signs of a bad sensor, find the sensor, disconnect the battery, remove the sensor, reset it, test it with a digital multimeter, replace it if needed and finally test drive the car to ensure the issue is fixed.
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Hey @Camila Did you or a previous owner have an accident? Front-end wiring can get damaged in collisions. Ford even sells a new connector for this sensor because of that. You might have a pinched or damaged wire near the sensor. You’ll need to remove the bumper cover and look through the tape and wiring to find any damage.
The wires probably lead to the BCM (Body Control Module) in the passenger footwell. Either get a wiring diagram or match the wires at the BCM. If you’re comfortable with it, you can cut the wires there, connect your sensor, and you should get a correct reading.
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Thank you guys for your good feedback. Am also experiencing the same problem with my Ford Escape and am hoping this will help me fix it.
To reset the ambient temperature sensor, you usually need to disconnect the car’s battery for about 10-15 minutes. This can reset the sensor and other electronics. Make sure to check your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions.