Chrysler Repair: 02 T&C: digital thermometer reads -40 and no AC, chrysler town and country, digital thermometer

Question
A few months ago I was parking and bumped into the curb with the front bumper.  Since then, the digital thermometer reads -40 (one time it actually did try to go up, but never made it to the correct temperature).  The air conditioning will not work now, and I assume it is because it thinks it is below freezing outside.  I read some of your articles, but still am not sure exactly how to find these wires under the front bumper.  Can you describe the exact location, colors, etc.  I know nothing about car repairs so use kindergarten terms regarding landmarks and such.  Thanks so much!  Oh yes, and this is a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country Limited Editon.

Answer
Hi Julie,
The sensor is behind the front bumper roughly in the mid-line of the car and it is mounted with a screw to the radiator "closure panel" which is as best I can tell the structure under the bottom edge of the radiator. It has a black plug and two wires colored violet/light green and black/light blue. I would examine the area where curb hit the bumper to start the search but in any case examine the structure underneath the radiator to find it. It may be easier to lift the front of the van to see it as the road clearance may not be very great. I suspect the sensor itself is damaged rather than the wiring to it.
I don't believe this has anything to do with the AC function, but there is a data bus digital connection from the overhead console (which receives the signal from the temperature sensor) so it may be that the ambient temp is transmitted to the AC control panel. If you get the sensor to work right and the AC function is still no good then have the refrigerant charge in the system checked.