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Chevy Equinox Outside Temperature Indicator

9 messages,  Last post on Aug 26, 2011 at 10:38 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Equinox, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 9 Temp Sensor by jsganz

Oct 13, 2010 (7:00 am)

Replying to: laserblue (Oct 13, 2010 4:57 am)
I don't actually think this was the case here. I saw the new sensor when the guy brought it out from the parts department. It was still sealed in a plastic packet from GM. You see, I can't really say the temperature reading ever "went crazy". It seems like the onboard computer occasionally doesn't display the message that the sensor is sending it.
Every morning the temperature is right on the money and as it warms up, the display accurately reflects that. But,
if you start it up for a bit, the computer sort of "locks in"
on that last temp reading. Almost like the computer now has other things to worry about. Then, if you drive down the road a mile or so, the temp reading will go up and be accurate. Now, this is ONLY on temp rises. Later in the evening as the outdoor temp decreases, the display will drift down right along with it.....no problem. It's almost the type of thing others with the same situation may not even notice.

#8 of 9 Found out why this occurs . . . . by jsganz

Oct 18, 2010 (1:39 pm)

OK...thanks to a posting on another forum, I now know why the temperature display acts this way:
 
According to the GM Service Manual:
 
"The driver information center shows the outside air temperature as a damped value. The time and rate of the temperature update is based on an algorithm in the instrument cluster. Factors such as last temperature reading, current temperature reading, length of time the vehicle was off, current vehicle speed, and the distance driven effect when the displayed temperature is updated. To get the vehicle to display the most accurate temperature faster, drive the vehicle. Constant moving traffic will update the display to the correct temperature more quickly than stop and go traffic. "
 
So...there you have it. Strange but true!

#9 of 9 Re: Outside Temperature indicator acting strange [laserblue] by mikecsix

Aug 26, 2011 (10:38 am)

Replying to: laserblue (Sep 27, 2010 5:07 pm)
Thank you so much for the information, the sensor is in exactly the place you described.
 
We took our 2011 model in for an oil change and had them inspect for a leak. Turned out the air conditioner developed a leak, parts were replaced and the next day we noticed no outside temperature readings. I called the dealer to find out where the sensor and perhaps a connector wasn't seated properly. The dealer wanted me to bring the car back in - a 45 minute drive one way, as this was no trivial task. I found this forum from a google search, found the sensor, the connector was just barely seated, ie, most of the sealing ribs on the connector were exposed. I properly reseated the connector and all works fine. It took all of 15 minutes to find this post, put on a pair of coveralls, find the sensor then check my work (started the car to make sure it was working). Thanks again for the information!

Messages Page 2 of 2

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