2000 4.6L - ambient air temperature sensor off by several degrees - UPDATE!!!

[Petesexpy]

Lately, I noticed that the outside air reading on my display was 4F to 7F lower than the actual air temp. Does it mean I need new temp sensor, or can I just recalibrate (and how)? I think it is sensor, because the difference changes as the temp changes.
Any thoughts?
Also, how easy to replace the temp sensor? I believe it is under the front bumper.

UPDATE - replaced the sensor and no change in reading. 7-8 F below actual temp. UNTIL I started driving it. The temperature adjusted about 1 degree every 30 seconds until it was the correct one ! So problem solved. If you are replacing the sensor, the temp will start changing very slowly - don't be discouraged - it will get there.

 

[Yupster Dog]

Also, how easy to replace the temp sensor?

It is behind the grill, in front of the radiator. (You can get at it from the top)

Open hood, first plastic piece removal,(on top of the radiator and grill)

and it's right there. (usually more towards the drivers side)
Easy access

 

[Petesexpy]

Thanks!
Do you believe it's the sensor that's bad?

 

[Yupster Dog]

Thanks!
Do you believe it's the sensor that's bad?

When I had to change mine it was wildly off. I do not remember if it was a little off first.

 

[Petesexpy]

When I had to change mine it was wildly off. I do not remember if it was a little off first.

Thanks! I'll post update.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Thanks! I'll post update.

When you change the ambient air sensor, read your owner’s manual about its operation.

The display may not show the current ambient air temperature when the vehicle is first started, and may have to be driven several miles to display the correct temperature.

 

[mshields8]

Mine has been unreliable for the last 10 years. To me, it's not worth fixing.
The wife likes to look at it. To me it's a bell (or whistle) that does not ring.
171,000 miles now. Still a good truck and our daily drive.

 

[Petesexpy]

UPDATE - replaced the sensor and no change in reading. 7-8 F below actual temp. UNTIL I started driving it. The temperature adjusted about 1 degree every 30 seconds until it was the correct one ! So problem solved.

 

[Petesexpy]

When you change the ambient air sensor, read your owner’s manual about its operation.

The display may not show the current ambient air temperature when the vehicle is first started, and may have to be driven several miles to display the correct temperature.

Bot the problem at all. It is consistently below the ambient.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Bot the problem at all. It is consistently below the ambient.

My point was that AFTER you changed the ambient air sensor, it may not display the correct ambient temperature when the engine was first started - and that driving a few miles should cause the correct temperature to display (as you posted in #8).

I’m glad it was an easy fix.