Outside Temperature Sensor

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Fig 1: Locating Outside Temperature Sensor

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

The outside temperature sensor detects the temperature in the surrounding air. The signal is used by the engine control module (ECM) as a substitute value in the event of a fault in certain components or functions and to control certain diagnostic functions.

The sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) type which is supplied with power from the control module (signal) and is grounded in the control module.

The resistance in the sensor, which provides a signal between 0.1-4.7 V, changes depending on the outside temperature. Low temperatures produce high voltage (high resistance), high temperatures produce low voltage (low resistance).

The outside temperature sensor is positioned in the left door mirror.

The engine control module (ECM) can diagnose the outside temperature sensor. The sensor value can be read off using appropriate diagnostics tool.