How accurate is your outdoor Temperature sensor ?

mikeyw · #1 (**Post Link**) 08-06-06

Had my GT a few weeks now and really enjoying it but noticed the temp reading for outside is miles out.

I reckon on average it's reading between 3 and 4C over what is actually is. Even when the car's been moving for a good while it's still way out.

Today at lunch it was reading 28C after a 10minute drive even though in reality it was probably about 24-25C at the time.

I've compared to other people's car's which are reading a good 3C less than mine.

Can this be calibrated in anyway.

Quite keen on weather stats but only when they are accurate !!

Kevin Slegg · #2 (**Post Link**) 08-06-06

By checking with other colleagues I think mine is spot on - but it initially over-reads until you get going

VO2Max · #3 (**Post Link**) 08-06-06

As Mikey says the temp is still wrong after driving for some time, then I suspect the sensor is faulty. Assuming your sensor is in the door mirror, it's a new door mirror for you I'm afraid. Another option is to take the sensor out of a mirror from a Breakers if you can be arsed.

mick164 · #4 (**Post Link**) 09-06-06

mine is really accurate when the outside temp is 12C.. outside of that it's not quite as sharp.. well ok it just reads 12 all the time..

VO2Max · #5 (**Post Link**) 09-06-06

For a car with climate control, it's important that the temp sensor is reading accurately, otherwise it won't do what it shoulda oughta!

GTS · #6 (**Post Link**) 09-06-06

I know I'm stating the obvious but it will read higher if the car has been left in the sun and it takes a little while for it to cool down as you drive around.

That aside , mine seems pretty accurate. last night in read between 74 -78 degrees F as I drove home and my thermometer outside at home said it was 75F, so I suppose that is about right.

Antti · #7 (**Post Link**) 09-06-06

+- 2 degrees celsius wrong

rustyQV · #8 (**Post Link**) 09-06-06

Usually bang on driving, but madly overreads when left sitting anywhere.

icarlisle · #9 (**Post Link**) 11-06-06

Originally Posted by VO2Max

For a car with climate control, it's important that the temp sensor is reading accurately, otherwise it won't do what it shoulda oughta!

Actually, the climate control reads from the internal sensor, so it doesn't matter whether the external one is accurate or not.

Ian

jonwood79 · #10 (**Post Link**) 11-06-06

There's a limit to how accurate a car's exterior temp guage can ever be, since wherever you locate it it's going to take an ambient reading that will be affected by the car itself. Perhaps the only way to avoid it would be to locate it on the tip of the aerial, or something, but if you want the most accurate reading then the MET office is probably your best bet

I didn't know the GT's sensor was in the door mirror. It's somewhere in the front wing on a lot of cars.

Antti · #11 (**Post Link**) 11-06-06

Originally Posted by icarlisle

Actually, the climate control reads from the internal sensor, so it doesn't matter whether the external one is accurate or not.

Ian

AC uses also external sensor:
"The control unit supplies information on interior and exterior temperature via special sensors.
After processing the information, it adjusts passenger compartment air intake speed by means of the fan motor and air temperature by means of a mixer actuator"

VO2Max · #12 (**Post Link**) 11-06-06

Originally Posted by icarlisle

Actually, the climate control reads from the internal sensor, so it doesn't matter whether the external one is accurate or not.

Ian

It also needs data from the outside sensor because it sucks air in from outside and the temperature of that air will therefore affect the working of the aircon. This may be different if you have yours set to recirculate though. When my door mirror got kyboshed and the temp sensor was mashed, the aircon did very peculiar things. I got a replacement mirror from a breakers and hey presto, working aircon again.

VO2Max · #13 (**Post Link**) 11-06-06

oops, sorry Antti, you just said that!

Foxie · #14 (**Post Link**) 16-07-06

Today had an outside temperature reading of 47degrees c !!!!

My bella had been parked in the direct sunlight, got in started the bruto V6.......and had this reading on the display

But is this right, surely the sensor in the mirror would not get this hot???

Mind you the black leather seats done their best to remove the skin off my legs....

Any theories..........

Pascs · #15 (**Post Link**) 16-07-06

Originally Posted by Foxie

Today had an outside temperature reading of 47degrees c !!!!

My bella had been parked in the direct sunlight, got in started the bruto V6.......and had this reading on the display

But is this right, surely the sensor in the mirror would not get this hot???

Mind you the black leather seats done their best to remove the skin off my legs....

Any theories..........

I dont think there is anything wrong with that temp - the mirrors get very hot in the sun.

The sensor only goes to 50degC so you nearly got it to its max.

Foxie · #16 (**Post Link**) 16-07-06

Nice one Pacsc........

You must always being reaching the max. in your neighbourhood!!!!

Originally Posted by Pascs

I dont think there is anything wrong with that temp - the mirrors get very hot in the sun.

The sensor only goes to 50degC so you nearly got it to its max.