Ambient Temperature Sensor: Operation

1.6L Vehicles 

The resistance in the ambient temperature sensor changes as the outside temperature rises or falls. The Compass/Temp Mirror senses the change in reference voltage through the ambient temperature sensor resistor. Based on the resistance of the ambient temperature sensor, the Compass/Temp Mirror is programmed to correspond to a specific temperature. The Compass/Temp Mirror then displays the proper ambient temperature.

2.0L Vehicles 

The resistance in the ambient temperature sensor changes as the outside temperature rises or falls. The PCM senses the change in reference voltage through the ambient temperature sensor resistor. Based on the resistance of the ambient temperature sensor, the PCM is programmed to correspond to a specific temperature. The Compass/ Temp Mirror then displays the proper ambient temperature.