Ambient temp incorrect; where is sensor?

[jujube]

The Ambient Temp displayed on the info console seems incorrect; seems to report 58-62 even when in the 90s outside.

2008 Mazda5, has been sitting in garage for about four months. Have been using it regularly since I accidentally killed my other car last week.

Where is the Ambient (outside) temp sensor located?

Thanks!

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

The Ambient Temp displayed on the info console seems incorrect; seems to report 58-62 even when in the 90s outside.

2008 Mazda5, has been sitting in garage for about four months. Have been using it regularly since I accidentally killed my other car last week.

Where is the Ambient (outside) temp sensor located?

Thanks!

Near the bottome of the front of the car...behind the front bumper if I am not mistaken.
You may need a reprogram or a new display...

 

[jujube]

Near the bottome of the front of the car...behind the front bumper if I am not mistaken.
You may need a reprogram or a new display...

Thanks! Will check if spiders set up house there or something.

Does this sensor feed any of the engine control algorithms, or is it solely for climate control?

This will help me decide how quickly to get it serviced.

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

Thanks! Will check if spiders set up house there or something.

Does this sensor feed any of the engine control algorithms, or is it solely for climate control?

This will help me decide how quickly to get it serviced.

I think the ACC uses it ...not possitive. Maybe the sensor is disconnected at he sensor it self? Its covered under warrenty anyways.

 

[mazdadude]

I just checked the Mazda workshop manual for 2006, and the Ambient Sensor is behind the bumper, and in front of the radiator. As far as the other temp sensors, there is also a Solar Radiation Sensor that is located on top of the dash, and an internal cabin temp sensor that is located near the knees.

According to the manual, to get to the Ambient Sensor, you have to remove the undershield.

First, lets make sure that we are using the button properly.

When the AMB button is depressed, it should display the AMB indicator on the temp display. Press the button again, and it should show your desired HVAC temp. If you hold the button in, it will cycle between degrees fahrenheit and degrees centigrade.

 

[jujube]

Thanks for the info mazdadude.

I can see what I think is the AmbTemp sensor per your directions: Mounted with a clip in front of the radiator, near the bottom, attached to the central support. Two wires, black with white stripes about one inch apart, gray connector, sensor is a black cylinder about half the length of a AA battery. Is this the one?

If so, it doesnt look obviously damaged/disturbed. However, that's a bit if a strange location. My drive to Texas last summer collected quite a few bugs on the radiator grill, remnants of some of the larger ones still there. Would seem to me that a bug splatting on the sensor would not be a good thing.


Re. the AMB button: yup, am using it correctly.

On a tangent, is there a way to display the interior temp? Displaying the outside temp, and displaying the desired temp, are both nice, but would also like to see the actual current temp in the cabin..

Thanks again.

 

[mazdadude]

Thanks for the info mazdadude.

I can see what I think is the AmbTemp sensor per your directions: Mounted with a clip in front of the radiator, near the bottom, attached to the central support. Two wires, black with white stripes about one inch apart, gray connector, sensor is a black cylinder about half the length of a AA battery. Is this the one?

If so, it doesnt look obviously damaged/disturbed. However, that's a bit if a strange location. My drive to Texas last summer collected quite a few bugs on the radiator grill, remnants of some of the larger ones still there. Would seem to me that a bug splatting on the sensor would not be a good thing.


Re. the AMB button: yup, am using it correctly.

On a tangent, is there a way to display the interior temp? Displaying the outside temp, and displaying the desired temp, are both nice, but would also like to see the actual current temp in the cabin..

Thanks again.

Yes that sounds like you are looking at the right spot. All that I can think of trying, if it can be reached easily, is to unplug and reseat the AMB sensor connector. Otherwise, if the car is still under factory warranty, I would have the dealer check it out.

I also have wished for a interior temp gauge, but it might be too depressing when I get into the car on a hot day and the interior temp gauge shows 135 degrees or something.(flame)