Ambient Temperature Sensor / Switch HVAC: Description and Operation

Fig,3 Ambient Temperature Sensor:

Ambient air temperature is monitored by the Compass Temperature Mirror through the ambient temperature sensor. The Compass Temperature Mirror receives a hard wired input from the ambient temperature sensor. The ambient temperature sensor is a variable resistor mounted in front the radiator, behind the grille, near the left lower side of the radiator support assembly. The ambient air temperature is monitored and displayed by the Compass/Temp Mirror.

The ambient temperature sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

The ambient temperature sensor is a variable resistor that operates on a 5-volt reference signal sent to it by the Compass/Temperature mirror module. The resistance in the sensor changes as temperature changes, changing the temperature sensor signal circuit voltage to the compass/temperature mirror. Based upon the resistance in the sensor, the compass/temperature mirror senses a specific voltage on the temperature sensor signal circuit, which it is programmed to correspond to a specific temperature.