outside temp gauge not working

The sensor is located in front of the radiator, and can be seen if you look in the space between the front bumper and the radiator. If you don't see a sensor and instead just see a wiring harness connector connected to nothing, then you'll know what the problem is...

 

Interesting! So you mean the Toyota has a separate sensor for the temp gage? Many cars use the intake air temp and just digitize the resistance to a temp figure. After all, the computer needs outside air temp for its functions - why not display a value?

 

Yep, they use a separate sensor located at the front of the car. Presumably they did this to get a temperature reading undisturbed by engine heat.

Here is another bit of trivia, at least for the Gen II Prius: the outside temperature sensor reads in °C. For the U.S. models, the °C reading is converted to °F. If you watch carefully, you will notice that the outside temperature reading jumps 2° at a time most of the time. This is because there are 1.8 °F for each °C.

Tom

 

Yes, the Prius also has an intake temp sensor within the MAF sensor.

Have you noticed that when you wash your car, the outside air temp shows a lower than normal temp for a while? This is because the sensor near the radiator got wet. Until it dries off, the coating of water will cool the sensor below ambient air temp.

 

So now you know the temperature in some landfill.

Tom

 

I am having the same problem with my car. I had the front bumper replaced and now the outside temp gauge says 40 degrees when it is 108 outside. It is affecting the airconditioner. I looked and seen the gauge just dangling in front of my radiater but I have no idea where it is supposed to be clipped to. Anyone have suggestions?

 

I think it goes into a hole on the hood release bracket.

 

It clips to the bottom of the vertical support that runs down the middle of the condenser. It has red and white wires connected to it.