[jsganz]

The outside temperature that's displayed in the morning is always accurate.
Later on, as it gets warmer out, the display accurately reflects the increased temperature.
The display will also go up if I stick a hair dryer on the sensor for a few seconds or so.
This is before I start it up. Once I start up the engine and take a short drive, the computer then sticks on that last temperature reading and will no longer reflect outside temp increases later in the day (or when blowing the warm air on the sensor). If I drive down the road for a few miles, then it will start climbing to the actual outside temperature. I did have the sensor changed without much difference. It seems like the computer has a tough time updating the info that the temp sensor is sending it. Any theories on what's happening here?

 

[fourmoremarine]

The outside temperature that's displayed in the morning is always accurate.
Later on, as it gets warmer out, the display accurately reflects the increased temperature.
The display will also go up if I stick a hair dryer on the sensor for a few seconds or so.
This is before I start it up. Once I start up the engine and take a short drive, the computer then sticks on that last temperature reading and will no longer reflect outside temp increases later in the day (or when blowing the warm air on the sensor). If I drive down the road for a few miles, then it will start climbing to the actual outside temperature. I did have the sensor changed without much difference. It seems like the computer has a tough time updating the info that the temp sensor is sending it. Any theories on what's happening here?

Your blowing hot air over the light sensor.... JK

 

[NoobNox]

I could be wrong, but I don't believe there is any "computer" involved in this. The sensor is likely pretty much the same as any thermometer that you would have indoors or hanging on your back porch...and probably no more or less accurate than those types of instruments. I find that mine pretty closely matches the temps I see displayed on digital bank signs and such..

 

[Roesterman]

Temperature probe/sensor will be in the front end somewhere protected from the elements. Maybe inside the hollow part of the front bumper. This way it won't be affected by wind chill or ice pack or direct sun. If temperature is not correct try changing the probe. That is the likely culprit.

 

[GARYD]

Does it really matter? I think that is the number one stupidest gage/sensor that you can put on a car.

It's either hot out or it's cold. If someone starts out in the morning and the sensor says it's 60*, then as ythey travel it goes to 80*, do they pull over and stop the car and take off their coat........I don't think so.

What's even dumber is an air temp gage on a Harley. Never could figure that one out.

 

[georgi55]

Does it really matter? I think that is the number one stupidest gage/sensor that you can put on a car.

It's either hot out or it's cold. If someone starts out in the morning and the sensor says it's 60*, then as ythey travel it goes to 80*, do they pull over and stop the car and take off their coat........I don't think so.

What's even dumber is an air temp gage on a Harley. Never could figure that one out.

Anything you don't need/use/want is dumb? I for once love having a temp gauge. My Impala doesn't have one and the S/O's Camry has it. When we drive out and it's only 60s we have windows up and sunroof closd. If we notice it's over 70 we turn off AC and open sunroof, over 80 we open windows. This was especially useful last weekend when we drove down from NY down back to DC area.

 

[Motorman]

I'm sure the temp sensor is behind a front bumper component, to eliminate sun/engine heat affecting it, as well as shielding from ice, as stated by other poster. Wind chill does not affect non-flesh and blood substances. It's our nerves that amplify wind temps. Metal "feels" only what it actually is.

You need to roll to see a temp change cause the sensor is sitting in a pocket of it's own air , so to speak. W/o rolling, any temp change will take a few hours perhaps, as no fresh data (temps) are blowing past it.

This week, if I drive around it says about 60F . Then I put it in garage for a few hours (heated garage) and it shows a few degrees higher (maybe 70F) when I come back. As I drive again, it soon drops back to ambient air temps of about 60F. This is normal functioning condition. I think you're fine.

GaryD, One big advantage of an outside temp display is you get a critical advance notice of possible road icing conditions. When you're tooling down the road on a nice drive, the temp can drop 5 degrees in 5 miles(area/winds) sometimes and it's good to know that the next bend may have a thin ice patch waiting..........
Saved my hide a few times since my cars have had it. Harley is a good bike!

MM

 

[Roesterman]

I'm sure the temp sensor is behind a front bumper component, to eliminate sun/engine heat affecting it, as well as shielding from ice, as stated by other poster. Wind chill does not affect non-flesh and blood substances. It's our nerves that amplify wind temps. Metal "feels" only what it actually is.

You need to roll to see a temp change cause the sensor is sitting in a pocket of it's own air , so to speak. W/o rolling, any temp change will take a few hours perhaps, as no fresh data (temps) are blowing past it.

This week, if I drive around it says about 60F . Then I put it in garage for a few hours (heated garage) and it shows a few degrees higher (maybe 70F) when I come back. As I drive again, it soon drops back to ambient air temps of about 60F. This is normal functioning condition. I think you're fine.

GaryD, One big advantage of an outside temp display is you get a critical advance notice of possible road icing conditions. When you're tooling down the road on a nice drive, the temp can drop 5 degrees in 5 miles(area/winds) sometimes and it's good to know that the next bend may have a thin ice patch waiting..........
Saved my hide a few times since my cars have had it. Harley is a good bike!

MM

By wind chill I mean the cooling effect of wind blowing on a wet sensor caused by evaporation.

 

[jsganz]

Sudden Temp drops

Yeah, well...I'm mainly concerned about the winter months. I play in a band on weekends
and changes in elevation on the way home at 2 a.m. can cause quite a temperature fluctuation.
I leave one location and it's just cold rain. 20 miles later it's freezing on the road. It's kinda
nice to know the temperature display on the dash is accurate. I guess the main thing I'm noticing
is it's just not quite as responsive as other vehicles I've owned.

 

[GARYD]

Georgi, you're telling me you need a temp gage to tell you when you can open a window?

I doubt very much that a temp gage ever saved anyones life. Maybe you shouldn't be on the road if you need a temp gage to tell you to drive more carefully when the roads are icy. I usually use my eyes to see when roads are icy, they haven't failed me yet. How did you drive in the winter before you ever had a temp gage? Just curious.

What does the outside air temp have to do with the temp inside the car? If it's cold out you turn on the heat. What will you do differently when the gage says 40* then when it said 45* or 50*?

Most people with Harleys replace the air temp gage with either a compass or an oil temp gage.
I did on all mine. Sure didn't need one. Sitting on the bike if it was warm out , I said to myself "It's warm out" and if it was cool out I said "It's cool out, I should wear a jacket." No rocket science there.

Sorry, Still haven't heard any good reasons for an outside air temp gage. I think a spare tire pressure gage would be of more value then an outside air temp gage.

 

[gmiemigrad]

From the GM Service Manual:

"Outside Air Temperature
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. "

 

[georgi55]

Georgi, you're telling me you need a temp gage to tell you when you can open a window?

I doubt very much that a temp gage ever saved anyones life. Maybe you shouldn't be on the road if you need a temp gage to tell you to drive more carefully when the roads are icy. I usually use my eyes to see when roads are icy, they haven't failed me yet. How did you drive in the winter before you ever had a temp gage? Just curious.

What does the outside air temp have to do with the temp inside the car? If it's cold out you turn on the heat. What will you do differently when the gage says 40* then when it said 45* or 50*?

Most people with Harleys replace the air temp gage with either a compass or an oil temp gage.
I did on all mine. Sure didn't need one. Sitting on the bike if it was warm out , I said to myself "It's warm out" and if it was cool out I said "It's cool out, I should wear a jacket." No rocket science there.

Sorry, Still haven't heard any good reasons for an outside air temp gage. I think a spare tire pressure gage would be of more value then an outside air temp gage.

again, you are missing the point, just because you don't like/want something doesn't mean everyone else should feel the same way.
Why are you in this thread anyway? You got nothing nice to offer, just bitching about "Why would you ever need temp gauge", but the thread's OP asked about issues/concerns with it.
He didn't ask "Do you like the temp gauge"

Now how about you stay out of this thread with off topic posts, instead of insulting others with personal attacks?

 

[GARYD]

Not saying everyone should feel the same way as I do, far from it. Just tying to figure out what good does an air temp gage do. You sound like you have very thin skin and can't torrerate an opposing view or anyone asking questions. So asking a question, in your opinion, is bitching?
Who did I attack??
Motorman said the air gage saved his hide, and I would very much like to know how.

I asked you a questions to which you can't seem to answer.

I'm on this forum to learn and contribute knowledge on the Terrain. Also when I see a post describing something I don't understand, I would like to get a more detailed description.

Yes, the post asked about issues/concerns.........I think "saving my Hide" is a big issue and would like to know the answer, wouldn't you?
If I offended anyone, I apologize and will try to refrain from asking any questions in the future.

 

[wbassnp007]

For those of US with NAV weather and traffic, it would be interesting to see how the on board temperature sensor compares with satellite XM reports. People can make a career about giving weather and temperature reports to friends, relatives, and the public. If for no other reason, it makes good conversation. Always has, always will make for good conversation! If there is nothing else to talk about, we can always talk about the weather. That is: How it's been, how it is, and how it will be in the future. One might even look into the Farmers Almanac and see what kind of weather we are going to have this winter. I would love for somebody to tell me about the Hurricane season next year down here in sunny FL, USA, currently 80 degrees F. LOL

 

[jsganz]

From the GM Service Manual:

"Outside Air Temperature
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. "

Hey, thanks alot for that info! That sure "splains" what's happening here. I had a feeling it had
something to do with how the sensor reading is processed through the computer.
Those darn algorithms!!!

 

[riggy]

It's either hot out or it's cold. If someone starts out in the morning and the sensor says it's 60*, then as ythey travel it goes to 80*, do they pull over and stop the car and take off their coat........I don't think so.

Georgi, you're telling me you need a temp gage to tell you when you can open a window?
I did on all mine. Sure didn't need one. Sitting on the bike if it was warm out , I said to myself "It's warm out" and if it was cool out I said "It's cool out, I should wear a jacket." No rocket science there.

Holy $h!t, thats funny! Thanks for the laughs!

 

[Jeremiah]

Holy $h!t, thats funny! Thanks for the laughs!

i agree...thanks for the laughs...even if other people got all bent out of shape about it

 

[Dave25]

All I can contribute is my use for an outside air temp gauge: Sometimes I pick up my wife after work and get dinner. I call her on my way home, and with an outside air gauge I can tell her what to wear (shorts, jeans, jacket). The temp gauge is a luxury, not a necessity. I do judge vehicles these days by whether they have one or not. If it has one its at least a decent vehicle. If it doesnt then its either a few years old and/or basic transportation.

I also like to take pics when its either really cold (38 or below in CA is really cold) or really hot (110 +) and send them to my freinds in other states. Once again, not a necessity but a nice luxury.

 

[GARYD]

You're right it is a luxury, but whether I would buy a car or not because it didn't have a temp gauge would be rediculous. If that was the case, I'd have been walking everywhere for the last 52 years.
Just curious, doesn't your wife listen to TV or the radio during the day? If not. I would just say "Honey better put on a jacket for tonight", I wouldn't need a gauge to tell me that.
That's just my opinion and doesn't mean yours is wrong. If I could have a choice of an air temp gauge or any other type gauge, I'd choose the other.

 

[Z_Ghost]

I like the temp gauge on nights when it's cold out there and yes I know it's cold but with the temp gauge I know if it's below 32 or not.
Yeah I could live without it but it's nice to have.