Outside Temp Reading

[jah5927]

My temp gauge is reading in the 60's, while it's in the 90's outside. This is throwing off the climate control into blowing heat.

Obviously, I can take it to the shop, but wondered if there were any diy tips I could try first.

Let me know.

Thanks. JAH

[sp0rky]

Most likely the outside temp sensor has gone bad. It's a real cheap and easy fix.

[jah5927]

Thanks. Any ideas where it is or how to do it or a link to a website?

[Bimrboy]

Originally posted by jah5927@Aug 26 2005, 05:45 PM
Thanks. Any ideas where it is or how to do it or a link to a website?

[snapback]372711[/snapback]

Mines rite behind the bumper on the front drivers side, its sorta a yellowish brown color..just get a new part and unplug the old one and plug the new one in ...hope that helps

[Dirty_Tool]

Jah,
What year 5 series do you have? Is it e39 or e34?

DT

[jah5927]

It's a '99 528i with sport-prem pkg. Does that make it an E39?

I think I found it under the front bumper on the passenger side, snapped into a recessed area in the engine cover. Didn't have time to see how it connects, but plan to today.

Is there a better place on the internet to buy parts than the local dealer?

I appreciate all the suggestions so far! Thanks!

[Bear]

I do not believe that the outside temp sensor is your problem as that sensor only feeds the OBC not the HVAC. The HVAC has an interior temp sensor that monitors temperature near the evapoarator, additionally you may have a micro filter in the sytem that if clogged will slow air flow. I would check your AC pressures and see if she needs a charge before I put money out for a temp sensor and also look at the micro filter to see if it needs to be replaced.

[jah5927]

Originally posted by Bear@Aug 27 2005, 12:15 PM
I do not believe that the outside temp sensor is your problem as that sensor only feeds the OBC not the HVAC. The HVAC has an interior temp sensor that monitors temperature near the evapoarator, additionally you may have a micro filter in the sytem that if clogged will slow air flow. I would check your AC pressures and see if she needs a charge before I put money out for a temp sensor and also look at the micro filter to see if it needs to be replaced.

[snapback]372819[/snapback]

Seems like the sensor does affect the climate control. Today, the temp reading on the dash shows the correct outside temp and the automatic a/c is working. The other day when it read 60 (should have been 90), and the a/c was set on 75, it had the heater running.

Nothing worse than an intermittant problem.

Thanks for the reply.

JH

[Bear]

If the cable control for the flapper valve in the heater box is not closing the flapper valve then you are going to get some warm air out of the system. The cable is adjustable to allow full closing of that flapper valve.