Ambient Temperature Sensor

[Tacorom6969]

Ok im pretty new i dont know anything at all. Basically my dad had the care before i did (1994 325i) and he pretty much treated it like crap. My temp sensor is reading -35 degrees and i know its the sensor because i cant find one on my car...... also there is more bad news.. a couple of months ago i heard a chinc chinc comming from the bottom of my car. i took a look and realized it was some platic piece on the drivers side right behind the fog light.. and it was totally not connected to the car. i decided to just take it out, and my car ran as normal. Im thinking now that the piece may have something to do with the sensor. i have looked behind the drivers side fog light, but i cant seem to figure out where the piece or the sensor goes. if someone could possibly take a couple pictures of their temp sensor that would be great.
ps i should probably get my new sensor from where?

[drz]

Your sensor went bad or is disconnected (or absent). -35 degrees is the default reading when the computer receives no input.

I have seen the piece you are talking about (behind the fog light). I now believe that it may be the temperature sensor. I say this because there is one exactly like it inside the door -- I suspect it is used to activate the cold weather accesories).

You can get the temperature sensor from the dealership (pricey), bavauto.com (more reasonable; if you cannot find listed on their website, give them a call -- they can get it for you), or just try google and pick a place that looks reputable. Browse the forum. I know we have several threads listing good parts websites.

Good luck, and welcome to the forums.

[BImmerN2B]

Very true, that plastic part that you can't find is the part that houses the sensor. You may have the cable that goes to the sensor dangling around that area. But yes, you will have to get that part for your computer to read the temperature again.

[BImmerN2B]

nevermind, the part you took out houses that sensor. The sensor is in the middle of the plastic housing. It is yellow in color. just re-attach the dangling cable around that area to the sensor and you should be set.

[BImmerN2B]

hmmm, I love beer

[WarNox]

ok my sensor is fine, but wht is this...

[attachmentid=22872]

thnx

[TMac325is]

it is attached in the brake duct, which is right behind your bumper, but you can get to it by jacking up your car (supporting it by jack stands too of course). the temp sensor unclips easily out of the brake duct, it shouldnt be very hard to replace. the panel you took out is simply a small piece of protection, probably to keep water from coming in from the front of the car and/or from the wheel well

[Avlany]

as most of the guys here said, your problem is the sensor mate. My computer at teh moment read -37C, I am just too lazy to go buy the sensor . You gonna have to replace it and youll be set.