Auto Parts: Outside temperature gauge wrong, 2008 chevy malibu, place sensors


Question
We just purchased a new 2008 Chevy Malibu LT, L4, about 30 days ago and the outside temperature gauge is stuck on 59 degree while the outside temperature was at 80 degrees. Changed the setting from Fahrenheit to Celsius and then back to Fahrenheit and it still registered at 59 degrees. Haven't had any other problems with settings.  Where is the sensor located?

Answer
Hi Ted,

Where car manufacturers place sensors of that nature is a closely guarded secret. I'm not sure why.

On older models, as I cannot say for sure where it would be on yours, the sensor was located in several different locations, probably due to other option packages, either inside the passenger-side inner fender well, the lower-left frame-rail under the motor mount, lower-left frame rail directly behind the bumper-rebar support bracket, center frame cross-member near the inertial SRS sensor, inside the base of the passengers-side mirror (I've never seen one in the drivers mirror and I'm not sure why) or below the left-side mount for the rear spoiler if so equipped.

Those are the locations I have come across on other GM made vehicles for the temp-control sensor. I have been informed though that some of the newer sensors are infra-red style which means the sensor could be mounted as a part of the display assembly and gathers an infra-red signal from a calibrated source. That however, is just speculation.

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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