Nissan 370Z Forum - Skewed Outside Temp Readings

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Skewed Outside Temp Readings

I've been getting some very skewed outside temp readings in my Z.

Has anyone here experience something similar?

http://www.the370z.com/members/kenny...7-img-0142.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/kenny...8-img-0143.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/kenny...9-img-0144.png

I have seen 100 degrees from the Z (left gauge) when it was really 90, but the reason was because the car was sitting in the sun for a few hours. After starting the car and moving the temp dropped to the proper temp (90).

As the Dreamer said, it's not uncommon to see it substantially higher than ambient after its been sitting, but if it doesn't come within, say, 5* F after driving for a little while, I'd take it in to have it checked.

Kenny, Have you had an oil cooler installed? Maybe the placement of it is too close to the Air sensor?

Mine will read 10-15 degrees high after sitting, and stabilize after a few minutes of driving. And it will read 10-20 degrees cold after I wash it. Always stabilizes though. That's all that happens to me, so mine are normal discrepancies.

Here are some shots from 10/3/2011.

The assumption is that my iPhone's temp readings are correct. However, there wasn't a single day in LA that went over 100 in October, much less 133. Also, I'm not sure if many of you are aware, the outside temp reading doesn't go above 136. From what I recall, after 136, the reading blanks out with two dashes.

http://www.the370z.com/members/kenny...1-img-0110.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/kenny...2-img-0111.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/kenny...3-img-0112.png

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple's (Post 1405436)

Kenny, Have you had an oil cooler installed? Maybe the placement of it is too close to the Air sensor?

I did have an oil cooler installed. I should consult the FSM for the placement of that air sensor; it might be the case. However, I've had this issue prior to having it installed.

I would check and see how close it is to the oil cooler first, just to confirm that it isn't being affected by it. Here is what the manual says:

Quote:

Outside air temperature (8F or 8C)
The outside air temperature is displayed in 8F or 8C in the range of −22 to 1318F (−30 to 558C).
The outside air temperature mode includes a low temperature warning feature. If the outside air temperature is below 378F (38C), the warning “ICY” is displayed on the screen.
The outside temperature sensor is located in front of the radiator. The sensor may be affected by road or engine heat, wind directions and other driving conditions. The display may differ from the actual outside temperature or the temperature displayed on various signs or bill- boards.

Over the summer there were a few times I got in the car and it read 130+ degrees. Usually within 20 minutes of driving it was within 5-10 degrees and 30 minutes it would be pretty accurate. Now it tends to be a little on the cool side when i first start up.

Your Z is high like everything else in California:tup:

I find that the temperture only adjusts when moving over say 15 mph and it adjusts in 1 degree intervals every 20 seconds or so while moving over 15 mph. If you stop it wont adjust . My garage is different then ambient temp and it takes about 20 minutes for my outside temp reading to be correct.

Either a bad sensor or your oil cooler placement... I'd bet it was the cooler though. Zip tie the sensor in a different location temporarily and see if that helps, then you can decide if you want to relocate the sensor or the cooler.