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Outside air temperature stuck on fifty degrees

Tiny
ULLERYR
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 FORD FUSION
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 43,000 MILES
Is there a way to reset the outside air temperature system it stays on fifty degrees all the time? Just purchased this vehicle from a private dealership I believe it had some front end accident but has since been repaired. Could the sensor simply not be there? Not plugged in? Where is it located exactly and is it easy access or does it require disassembling front end parts to access this sensor? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. This car is equipped with automatic climate control I would think that this sensor plays a part in that system?
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Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 AT 10:22 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,489 POSTS
That sounds like a missing sensor or bad wiring. The sensor is on the right side just behind the bumper cover area. The common issue is that the sensor wiring gets damaged and not repaired in a collision. The repair is usually to get a new sensor harness and sensor and replace the parts.
To replace it you remove the lower trim closure under the front end, the sensor wire and the sensor. Reverse to install the new one.
The harness is a bit harder as it snakes around, but you should be able to follow it and find any damage.
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Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
ULLERYR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you very much for your input. I believe it is missing myself. When I turn the key about to start the car it says -39 once the car is started it displays back to 50 degrees. I have been fiddling around with cars myself for some time but not a mechanic no expert lot of trial and error sometimes my attempted projects ended up costing me more, but have enjoyed the ride along the way. Still fiddling thanks to people like you.
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Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,489 POSTS
The -39 indicates the sensor is not connected (either gone or broken wiring) then the system defaults to 50 degrees to allow the heat and AC to work as most people want it warmer than 50 and do not run the AC below that anyway. Front end damage these days can really create a mess. With all of the things that the companies keep adding it is just getting worse. GM just issued a statement on repairs to their bumper covers on cars that have any of the active frontal sensors that says no repairs allowed, no aftermarket parts and even show a specification for the paint thickness.
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Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
ULLERYR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I should just be able to take the bottom access cover off under the engine and have the room to see what the situation is that is how I am seeing it anyway? I am planning on looking at it Friday morning to see what I can see. Sorry I think I am repeating myself or making you repeat yourself.
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Thursday, June 21st, 2018 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,489 POSTS
No worries. I just wanted to add to the information based on the temperatures you are seeing. Many times a sensor using a thermister will show a very low temperature if they are disconnected like -40. It is a clue that the sensor is not connected.
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Thursday, June 21st, 2018 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
ULLERYR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Do you know where I can get a bracket for the sensor? The sensor was missing but I do not have a mounting bracket. I have the sensor Bit not a bracket.
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Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,489 POSTS
That would be a dealer or salvage yard part. Or just make something to hold it in position until you can locate the proper part. From looking at the sensor it just pushes into a couple holes. Probably in the bumper support. As long as it is in the general location it should be fine.
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Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 AT 9:53 PM

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