How does the outside temperature display work in a 2012 Toyota Camry?

How does the outside temperature display work?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
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.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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The ambient temperature sensor (switch) is located either behind the front grille or in the front bumper.
Cars use a device called a thermistor to measure temperature, by measuring the changes in electrical current when heat is added or removed. Most thermistors are located behind the grille on the front of the car, meaning they`re fairly close to the road surface, which can affect the measurements.
Most automakers place the thermistor on the front of the car behind the grille. This location exposes the instrument`s readings to re-radiated heat from the road surface.
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.
Digital thermostats use a simple device called a thermistor to measure temperature. This is a resistor which allows electrical resistance changes with temperature. The microcontroller in a digital thermostat can measure the resistance and convert that number to an actual temperature reading.
Generally, the outside temperature sensor is located under the front of the hood near the bottom of the car.
The most common cause of faulty temperature readings is a broken coolant temperature sensor (CTS). The part, which is normally located near a vehicle`s thermostat near the base of the radiator (consult your owner`s manual or repair guide) can get gunked up and fail.
The OSA sensor must be mounted in the shade and never above building windows, doors, vents or dampers. Sensors should not be placed in direct sunlight as temperature readings can be altered by as much as +30%. The ideal shaded location in the Northern Hemisphere is on the north side of the building.
Common signs include a faulty AC auto mode, inconsistent cooling, and incorrect outdoor temperature readings.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a 2002 toyota camry LE engine wich i want to use on a 2004 toyota camry XLE .is my 02 toyota camry engine compatible ?
ANSWER : Hi there. Assuming that both engines are the same size, the compatibility of "fitting" should be OK. However, since this is a service we don’t offer, we’re not best suited to provide the best advice on this. I can tell you that a common problem have with replacing motors is communication with the ECU. In most cases, it will require reprogramming by a specialist in order for all the systems to work correctly.

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.

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.

My back up camera, navigation and radio not working in my 2010 Toyota Camry after disconnecting the battery
ANSWER : First thing I notice is you say the 120 amp fuse was blown. That requires a substantial electrical short to blow. If you disconnect the positive side battery cable and touched any metal part of the car – even for an instant – you may have created that short. Whenever disconnecting the battery, always disconnect the negative cable first. With that large of an electrical short, it is possible that the internal power amplifier of the head unit may have shorted. With any large electrical short, the power spike can easily effect any electrical component in the vehicle. Some are more sensitive than others and will not withstand even a momentary short. It is also possible there is a software issue with the head unit. If you want to retain the original unit, then a trip to your local Toyota dealership for a diagnosis is the best thing to do. Another option is to try a reputable stereo repair and installation shop to explore options of repairing or replacing the existing unit.

Gas gauge isn’t working. Sometimes the speedometer and the temperature gauge doesn’t work. Limited lights around gauges and radio.
ANSWER : Hi there. The dashboard lights are burned out in the dash and the dimmer switch could be worn causing the lights to be weak. The gauges that seldom fail to work is most likely a loose wire in the dash panel. The fuel gauge that is not going to E when shutting off the car has a damaged rheostat within the sending unit. The sending unit is in the fuel tank attached to the fuel pump. If you need further assistance with your gauges not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The wind shield wipers on my 1999 Toyota Camry went out. They worked off and on for a while until they completely stopped working.
ANSWER : Hi there. Sounds like either the wiper motor or wiper motor relay has gone bad. First check to see if a fuse is blown. If the fuse is blown replace it and recheck the system. If not, then check the relay to the wiper motor. Replace the relay with another relay and see if the wiper system works. If the system still don’t work, then the wiper motor has seized up and needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your wiper not working issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

My dash board don’t work my front light work when I change my light into high beam and my back window won’t go down
ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.