How do I adjust the outside temperature display?

How do I adjust the outside temperature display?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If you notice that your vehicle’s outside temperature display is off by a few degrees, you can adjust it to a few different settings: roughly 5 degrees colder, or roughly 5 degrees warmer. To adjust the outside temperature display to make it more accurate, follow these steps:
1. Turn the ignition to On, while making sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
2. Press the Menu button.
3. Use the +/- buttons to highlight Customize Settings, then press Source.
4. Use the +/- buttons to highlight The Computer Setup, then press Source.
5. Use the +/- buttons to highlight Adjust Outside Temp. Display, then press Source.
6. Use the +/- buttons to choose between ~ -5°F, ~ ±0°F, and ~ +5°F, then press Source.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The ambient temperature sensor (switch) is located either behind the front grille or in the front bumper. Its only job is to monitor air temperature (which it does through increasing/decreasing resistance in response to temperature fluctuations).
At a Glance. Your car actually has a thermistor – not a thermometer. Car thermistors are a poor representation of the actual outside temperature. This is because the thermistor is exposed to re-radiated heat from the road surface.
The outside temperature display increases active safety since the driver can react quickly at temperatures around freezing point and can adapt his driving style to possible hazards caused by snow or black ice.
■Outside Temperature

The temperature sensor is in the front bumper.

Thermometrics Ambient Air Temperature Sensor measures the temperature outside the passenger compartment and is usually mounted inside or near the front bumper. The sensor provides input to automatic HVAC systems to help control the interior temperature of the automobile.
Generally, the outside temperature sensor is located under the front of the hood near the bottom of the car.
Common Car Heater Problems

The heater switching system might be faulty. The cabin air filter might be choked, restricting the airflow through the heater core. The thermostat valve might not be working right. The heater core might be clogged.

Most cars these days have 2 sensors: one inside and one outside. The sensor that measures outside temperature is typically up behind the bumper, which is near the hot asphalt and the engine. That`s why it reads a little higher that what the temperature actually is outside.
Ambient temperature is the air temperature of any object or environment where equipment is stored. The adjective ambient means “relating to the immediate surroundings.” This value is also referred to as the ordinary temperature or the baseline temperature. It is important for system design and thermal analysis.
The OSA sensor should be mounted between four feet above the ground and one-foot minimum below the eave. (Note: Four feet keeps the sensor above ground radiation and one foot under the eave prevents measurement of trapped heat from under the eave.)
The ambient air temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the air outside the vehicle. It is often located behind the front bumper, but on some vehicles can be found in the door mirror behind the glass.
Usually, the outdoor sensor is located on the facade of a building. It is an inconspicuous small box. A component contained in the core of the outdoor sensor measures the outdoor temperature, similar to a thermostat, and transmits the collected data to the heating control unit.
Usually, the outdoor sensor is located on the facade of a building. It is an inconspicuous small box. A component contained in the core of the outdoor sensor measures the outdoor temperature, similar to a thermostat, and transmits the collected data to the heating control unit.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

How do I adjust the outside temperature display?
ANSWER : If you notice that your vehicle’s outside temperature display is off by a few degrees, you can adjust it to a few different settings: roughly 5 degrees colder, or roughly 5 degrees warmer. To adjust the outside temperature display to make it more accurate, follow these steps:
1. Turn the ignition to On, while making sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
2. Press the Menu button.
3. Use the +/- buttons to highlight Customize Settings, then press Source.
4. Use the +/- buttons to highlight The Computer Setup, then press Source.
5. Use the +/- buttons to highlight Adjust Outside Temp. Display, then press Source.
6. Use the +/- buttons to choose between ~ -5°F, ~ ±0°F, and ~ +5°F, then press Source.

How does the outside temperature display work in a 2012 Toyota RAV4?
ANSWER : Your car has an outside temperature display that will tell you the temperature outside of the car. This can provide you with important information for your trip. It can display temperatures from -40 degrees F to 122 degrees F. If the temperature drops below 37 degrees F while you’re driving, the display will flash to warn you that extra caution is needed because of possible ice or freezing precipitation. Use the display button to cycle to this setting in the center information display.

Tips

If the car is stopped or being driven slowly, the temperature displayed may be inaccurate.
If you experience a sudden, drastic change in outside air temperature (such as pulling out of your garage into the heat of a summer day), the temperature reading may be incorrect.

How does the outside temperature display work in a 2012 Toyota Camry?
ANSWER : The temperature display is located on the along the bottom of one of the gauges in the in-cluster display center. It displays the temperature as long as it registers between -40 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit and 50 degrees Celsius or 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature is displayed when the engine is on or in accessory mode. However, the temperature may not be correct if the vehicle is moving slowly or stopped.

A/C is going crazy. The reading of the "outside temperature" resets itself. 2004 Land Cruiser
ANSWER : Hello – most likely, the outside air temp sensor has been damaged or ripped out. (They are often mounted down low just behind the front bumper, which makes them vulnerable to all sorts of things.) When the sensor is removed, or the wiring is cut for that sensor, the "open circuit" falsely tells the HVAC control that is -40F or similar – confusing the cooling function. Some vehicles will re-attempt getting another reading periodically, thinking this reading is incorrect. Replacing the air temp sensor, or fixing the damaged wiring, will eliminate this problem. i would recommend a wiring inspection for this circuit by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

My car has temperature issues; Either the engine is under temperature or overheating.
ANSWER : Hi there. If the coolant reservoir is bubbling before the coolant is hot and before the engine begins to overheat, then there could be an issue with the head gasket. If there is a combustion gas leak in the cylinder and the head gasket is the cause, then exhaust gasses will enter the cooling system and cause excessive pressures and cause the system to boil before it’s even hot. Get a block tester from a local parts store and use the tool to check the vapors on the cooling system to see if there is exhaust gases in the cooling system. If there is exhaust gases in the cooling system, the chemical that is blue in color will change to a green or yellow color as you plunge the tool and suck up the air above the inlet spout to the coolant reservoir. If that is the case, then the head gasket will need to be replaced and the cylinder head will need to be checked for any cracks. If there is no exhaust gases in the cooling system, then there is excessive air in the system and could be caused by a failed water pump. If you need further assistance with your cooling system bubbling, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

How do I manually adjust the temperature?
ANSWER : The temperature is controlled by the temperature control dial. To manually adjust the temperature, rotate the dial towards the temperature that you would like (red is hot, and blue is cold).

How do I change the Language settings for the main display? The language settings only seem to change in the small upper display.
ANSWER : This can be very difficult when your vehicle is set to a language that is unfamiliar to you. I would recommend looking in your owner’s manual for information relating to the radio interface. This will help to determine how to switch languages on the screen. If not, I would recommend asking a spanish speaking friend if they can navigate the menu for you and change the language back to engish. If all else fails, I would recommend visiting your local Honda dearship as they should certainly be able to help you.

How do I set the outside temperature?
ANSWER : When the outside temperature setting is turned on, then the temperature will flash when the temperatures are very low, to alert you of potential ice and dangerous driving conditions. You can turn this feature off, or turn it back on, very easily:
1. Press the Trip Computer switch until the settings menu shows up.
2. Rotate the Trip Computer switch to Alarms, then press the switch.
3. Rotate the Trip Computer switch to Outside Temp, then press the switch.
4. Rotate the Trip Computer switch to On or Off, then press the switch. When the feature is turned off, the outside temperature will still be displayed, it just will not flash.
Tips
The outside temperature can only be adjusted when the vehicle is in motion.