Sensor, Temperature, Air Outlet: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The air duct temperature sensors monitor the temperature of the conditioned air leaving the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) housing and supplies an input signal to the HVAC module. The air duct temperature sensors change their internal resistance in response to the temperatures they monitor. The air duct temperature sensors are connected to the HVAC module through a sensor ground circuit and a 5 volt Direct Current (DC) reference signal circuit. As the temperature of the conditioned air leaving the HVAC housing decreases, the internal resistance of the temperature sensor increases. As the temperature of the conditioned air leaving the HVAC housing increases, the internal resistance of the temperature sensor decreases.

The HVAC module control uses the monitored voltage readings as an indication of air outlet temperature. The HVAC module is programmed to respond to this and other inputs by adjusting the blend and the mode air door positions, and by cycling the A/C clutch on and off as necessary in order to automatically adjust the heating and A/C system to the operator temperature preference setting.

The air duct temperature sensors are diagnosed using a scan tool. Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (ATC) DIAGNOSTIC CODE INDEX .

The air duct temperature sensors cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if inoperative or damaged.