2012 Jeep Wrangler JK Factory Service Manual 24 - Heating and Air Conditioning

SENSOR, Ambient Temperature

DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

The ambient air temperature sensor is a variable resistor that monitors the air temperature outside of the vehicle. The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system uses the ambient air temperature sensor data to help maintain optimum passenger compartment temperature levels. The ambient air temperature sensor is mounted to the support bracket, behind the grille.

OPERATION

OPERATION

The ambient air temperature sensor is a variable resistor that operates on a 5 volt reference signal sent by the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The ambient air temperature sensor is connected to the TIPM through a two-wire lead and connector of the vehicle wire harness. The ambient air temperature sensor changes its internal resistance in response to changes in the outside air temperature, which either increases or decreases the reference signal voltage read by the TIPM. The TIPM converts and broadcasts the sensor data over the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, where it is read by the Automatic Temperture Control (ATC) A/C heater control, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and other vehicle control modules.

The ambient air temperature sensor is diagnosed using a scan tool (Refer to 28 - DTC-Based Diagnostics for more information).

The ambient air temperature sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if inoperative or damaged.

REMOVAL

REMOVAL

  1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

    2.  
  2. Remove the grille (Refer to 23 - Body/Exterior/GRILLE - Removal) .

    3.  
  3. Disconnect the wire harness connector (2) from the ambient air temperature sensor (1).

    4.  
  4. Remove the push-pin fastener (3) that secures the ambient air temperature sensor to the lower grille support bracket (3) and remove the sensor.

    5.  

INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION

  1. Position the ambient air temperature sensor (1) onto the lower grille support bracket (4) and install the push-pin fastener (3).

    2.  
  2. Connect the wire harness connector (2) to the ambient air temperature sensor.

    3.  
  3. Install the grille (Refer to 23 - Body/Exterior/GRILLE - Installation) .

    4.  
  4. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

    5.