Compass works the outside thermometer does not?

LWAHARLEYBOY

MEMBER
2000 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
150,000 MILES

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the overhead message center. The compass works but the outside thermometer does not. I have replaced the ambient air temperature sensor behind the grill but it still won't work. The message center says

Please tell me what "open circuit" means and how to solve outside temperature problem.

Nice site :-)

5 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,945 POSTS

An open circuit is a brake in the circuit. The most common cause is the outside temperature sensor is unplugged. Next, look for a broken wire, typically near the sensor. The sensor itself could be bad but it's such a simple device that they rarely fail.

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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 1:43 AM

LWAHARLEYBOY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I replaced the sensor this weekend and am sure it is plugged inbut I still have the open circuit message. Is there any way to get a wiring schematic to trace the wires?

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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 2:07 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,945 POSTS

This will take a while. I have to wind up a different computer to access Chrysler's web site, then e-mail the diagram to myself.

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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 2:26 AM

LWAHARLEYBOY

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3 POSTS

Thanks. I appreciate any help I can get. This is the only problem I have with this Jeep. Thanks again.

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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 2:38 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,945 POSTS

Rats. They changed their web site and now my password doesn't work. I'll try to figure something out, but in the meantime, you might try unplugging the connector for the sensor and jumping the terminals together with a stretched out paper clip, then see if the display shows "-40". If it does, check if those pins are stretched and not making good contact with the sensor pins.