My outside air temp is reading at -40 on my 2008 Pontiac Torrent. What is the right sensor and where is it located?

You might have an air pocket trapped in upper radiator hose. If the coolant was low, refill and open bleeder screw to let air out.

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images for chrysler Where is the outside air temp .

Although I am not familiar with your specific engine, the intake air temp sensor must be located in the air intake box or somewhere in the air stream between there and the throttle body. Usually located just after the air filter to give good reading of outside air temp.

There is a outside temp sensor mounted on the radiator support in the front of the car,sensors get dirty or just fail

The outside air temperature is reading sometimes off then the ac does not work? The ambient air temperature sensor located right by the front grill is probably malfunctioning.If it reads below a certain temp it sees no reason to turn the air on so it doesn't let you.

replace outside temp, sensor and check your refrigerant for recommended pressure, your outside air temperature sensor is located infront of your car, upper/ insidegrille

the air sensor yur thinking of is usually found out front of the car on the post that supports the hood latch betwween the radiator assemblies and the oute decorative grill. go to your auto parts store like autozone and ask for the ambient air temp sensor. then if they can, ask for a diagram of its location. Its real easy to replace usually one bolt and one wire clip. Autozone has /offers these do it yourself repar guides that can help you .

The sensor is located near the hood latch area in front of the radiator. If the temp is reading incorrectly, chances are it is defective. You can purchase a new one, they relativly inexpensive.
Disconnect the electrical connector then remove the sensor.
Good luck, let me know.
Regards,

There are four sensors for ambient tempurature and they work in unison to provide information to the temp reading on the dash, the heater control head ( where to direct air, blending of warm/cold/outside/inside air flapper controls) depending on the ambient temp and the inside air temp sensor located just above the radio as well as the sun sensor on the top of the dash as well as the a/c compressor head.

When you start your car, the body control module takes the readings from all sensors, outside air temp located in front of the radiator, air temp sensor located in the airbox ( senses temp of air being drawn in from the outside into the air box), coolant temp, inside air temp sensor and the sun sensor on top of the dash (this is why it takes a few seconds for the climate control system to begine when you start the car). The intake air sensor is 1st priority, inside air second, coolant third, ambient 4th and sun 5th. For instance, if the sun sensor reads the sun is hot but the interior sensor reads cold, the inside akes priority. The goal is for the system to achieve a tempurature inside the car that matches the selected temp. It uses all of the sensors to set the system up to achieve that goal as quickly as possible.

Example; Its mid afternoon, sunny and 40 degrees outside adn your in stop and go traffic. The intake sensor reads 40 degrees, the outside sensor reads 60 degrees (heat from radiator...engine heat protrudes into cabin) and the sun sensor reads high (sun is strong). The system is set for 72. priority one sensor reads 40, inside sensor reads 65, ambient reads 60= system will blow hot air to the floor out put, dash outlets will lightly flow 65 degree air so the sun doesnt roast you yet your feet are cold(if it blew hot air from all outlets, your upper body would be hot but your legs/feet would be cold). as the interior sensor reaches desired temp, air will be distrubuted through thee dash, defrost and floor with the warmest air coming out the floor and defrost, coolest air out the dash vents. Its a complex system!

The two sensors that will screw the system up the most are the intake and interior sensors. the system will function reasonably well with just those two sensors though it wont blend air temps between outlets if the sun sensor isnt working. If the outside sensor fails, it simply uses the intake sensor, if the intake sensor fails it will rely on the front sensor. However, since the intake takes priority over the outside sensor, if the intake sensor sends incorrect resistance info rather than failing, it will take priority and cause the unit to malfunction such as in your case.

The intake air sensor can be changed from the outside with patience. If it where me, I would pay the two hrs labor and let the dealer do it right.

Kevin,
Kevins Small Engine service,
South Berwick ME. 03908

it may afect the climate control to operate right,
try to locate the temperature sensor than most times is in the lower side of the wilshiel and on top of dash board and see what happend