Outside Temperature Display reads 0C

Mr. Smith · June 22, 2005

My wifes 2000 GMC Jimmy's outdoor temperature display in the overhead console reads 0C. I read through some old posts on this site that problem could be the sending unit. I replaced the sending unit and it still reads the same.

This is not covered in my cheapie Haynes manual and I'm not sure to where I need to troubleshoot from. What voltage should I see at the plug at the sensor 12 0r 5 volts? Is there a module that craps out regular?

Another thing that may be related is you can't swap from metric to English display. It is stuck on 0C Display.

Thanks for any help.

Wingnut · June 23, 2005

I think that means "Oh Chit" and you should probably stay inside the truck, because there are nasty and dangerous things afoot outside the cab.

GM-Tech · June 23, 2005

My first question would be, are you sure you replaced the correct sensor? There may be two air temp sensors out there. Wouldn't be the first time I've seen this happen! I've seen techs spend HOURS trying to figure out why they couldn't get the display working when in fact, they had replaced the temp sensor for the AC and not the one for the temperature display. I believe on yours, the correct sensor is right in the center, in the latch area.

As far as I know (though this isn't really spelled out anywhere) 0C means Open Circuit, not zero degress celcius. If you jump between the two terminals on the ambient sensor connector, it should read SC, or Short Circuit. I doubt you can change this from english to metric when it's not actually displaying a temperature.

Mr. Smith · June 23, 2005

My sensor is on the radiator baffle as they call it. I looked on the latch assembly already and there is no harness or sensor so I figured that was it.

I will jumper between the 2 and see what happens. I will put a voltmeter on em first so I canr see how much voltage I have there as I don't want to fry anything.

Thanks for the help.

My first question would be, are you sure you replaced the correct sensor? There may be two air temp sensors out there. Wouldn't be the first time I've seen this happen! I've seen techs spend HOURS trying to figure out why they couldn't get the display working when in fact, they had replaced the temp sensor for the AC and not the one for the temperature display. I believe on yours, the correct sensor is right in the center, in the latch area.

As far as I know (though this isn't really spelled out anywhere) 0C means Open Circuit, not zero degress celcius. If you jump between the two terminals on the ambient sensor connector, it should read SC, or Short Circuit. I doubt you can change this from english to metric when it's not actually displaying a temperature.

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GM-Tech · June 23, 2005

The AC temperature sensor is on the right hand side of the radiator support baffle. The DIC sensor is in the center, on the brace.

Mr. Smith · June 23, 2005

You are correct...

I popped off the grill and took another look and I saw the sensor on the center brace. I sure as heck missed that. I replaced the correct sensor and it does indeed work. Thanks again