For the last couple of day, my outside temperature gauge is giving out wrong info. it's saying it's too cold while it' not resulting in excessive heating inside the car.

For example: it said outside temperature is 42 degrees F while in reality it was more like 60. it has been reading about 15-20 degrees lower. I have tried to force reset by switching between fahrenheit vs Celsius and back but same result.

Does this happen to any body. what might have caused it to happen all of a sudden by it self. If I need to clean the sensor, where it is located?

thanks for your help.

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=65&fg=70

This is ur temperature sensor. I am still trying to locate it.

 

it might be under the driver side fender. have to take the fender lining off. I am not 100% sure but seems to be there

 

This has happened to me on two GM cars,you have to replace the 2-wired plug-in sensor which is usually located behind the front bumper.On my M Sport,you can see the sensor behind the lower front mesh grill,it looks like a mini roof antenna.

 

 

So THATS where that SOB it. Thanks!

 

Thanks for all for the quick replies and the pictures helped allot.

I just cleaned it, although it looked clean. I did not unmount and remount this thing, may be tomorrow if I can figure it out and do it if it still behaves the same way. I'm being very optimistic and hoping, the wipe clean would fix it.

will let you know...
thanks

 

Good luck but there's not much you can do to a sealed "thermistor" sensor (a resistor which changes value with temperature) other than to replace it.Prior to that you could unplug it and spray the plug and socket contacts with an electrical contact cleaner.

 

I think my optimism was very positive. After cleaning it has started working fine again. It is now giving good accurate readings for the last four days and still working fine.

Thanks to everyone who replied and provided the great pictures that helped me point to the right place.