Dodge Durango

 Service Manual

Overhead Console Systems » Diagnosis and testing
Ambient temperature sensor

The thermometer function is supported by the ambient temperature sensor, a wiring circuit, and a portion of the compass mini-trip computer module. If any portion of the ambient temperature sensor circuit fails, the compass/thermometer display function will self-diagnose the circuit. An "SC" (short circuit) will appear in the display in place of the temperature, when the sensor is exposed to temperatures above 110 C (230 F), or if the sensor circuit is shorted. An "OC" (open circuit) will appear in the display in place of the temperature, when the sensor is exposed to temperatures below -50 C (-58 F), or if the sensor circuit is open.

The ambient temperature sensor circuit can also be diagnosed using the following Sensor Test, and Sensor Circuit Test. If the temperature sensor and circuit are confirmed to be OK, but the temperature display is inoperative or incorrect, refer to Compass Mini-Trip Computer in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Overhead Console in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

SENSOR TEST

(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector.

(2) Measure the resistance of the ambient temperature sensor. At -40 C (-40 F), the sensor resistance is 336 kilohms. At 55 C (131 F), the sensor resistance is 2.488 kilohms. The sensor resistance should read between these two values. If OK, refer to Sensor Circuit Test in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If not OK, replace the faulty ambient temperature sensor.

SENSOR CIRCUIT TEST

(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector and the overhead console wire harness connector.

(2) Connect a jumper wire between the two terminals in the body half of the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector.

(3) Check for continuity between the sensor return circuit and the ambient temperature sensor signal circuit cavities of the roof wire harness overhead console connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open sensor return circuit or ambient temperature sensor signal circuit to the ambient temperature sensor as required.

(4) Remove the jumper wire from the body half of the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector.

Check for continuity between the sensor return circuit cavity of the roof wire harness overhead console connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted sensor return circuit as required.

(5) Check for continuity between the ambient temperature sensor signal circuit cavity of the roof wire harness overhead console connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, refer to Compass Mini-Trip Computer in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If not OK, repair the shorted ambient temperature sensor signal circuit as required.

Compass mini-trip computer

Ambient temperature sensor