Outside Air Temperature

The Ambient Air Temperature Sensor is located behind the grille and varies it's resistance with temperature. The Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module reads the resistance value to determine temperature. The time of and rate of the temperature update is based on an algorithm in the Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module software. Factors such as, last reading, current reading, length of time vehicle is been off / on, power mode, vehicle speed, driven distance, and sensor location are all considered by the Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module to know when to update the displayed temperature. For example, if the sensor is located near the engine compartment, and the vehicle has been turned off for only 10 minutes then restarted, the Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module will wait until the vehicle is driven to get more accurate air flow across the sensor before it updates the display.