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Outside Temperature sensor question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by marcmdm2005, Jun 22, 2021.

  1. marcmdm2005

    marcmdm2005 New Member

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    I bought a 2010 Prius and it was wrecked previously. Question is do I need this sensor?

    Thank You
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    It is used by your ac.
     
  3. marcmdm2005

    marcmdm2005 New Member

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    So pretty important?
     
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The ac uses outside temp and a solar radiation sensor to bias the output temperature using a high voltage three phase variable speed compressor. It is quite a system, technically far more advanced than your typical residential system.
     
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  5. marcmdm2005

    marcmdm2005 New Member

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    Thank You I picked one up with harness and got it installed!
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe the outside air temp is also used by the car's computers to tailor engine warm-up? Or is it just monitoring coolant temp? I know in winter the engine runs longer before starting to shut-down, say at red lights. And you can tip it to shut-down sooner, if you keep the H/V system temp low, or shut the system right off.
     
  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    its also used in tandem with the hvac; engages from recirc to outside air to come in so windshield doesn’t fog up. During winters and skunk season, I don’t like this feature.
     
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