Hey everyone,

I had something strange happen today. It seems that the outside temperature shown on the dash, next to the odometer, was stuck on 38 degrees most of the day today. It was almost 60 outside here today, so I thought it was odd that the display was still showing only 38. Anyway, finally the temperature changed all at once, jumping up to 59, and then began operating normally again, changing a degree or 2 here and there. Maybe the thermometer was jolted by a bump in the road or something? Everything else electrical on the car is fine, so basically could someone tell me where exactly the outside thermometer is located so I can check it to see if there's a loose connection or something? Thanks!

 

There's something about running several miles, I think it's 5-6 or so, before it will change temp, from what I've read it's not "cumulative" miles it has to happen all in one trip. So if you drove to the corner store, then to the bank, then up the street for the paper, etc. etc. (all short trips) it may not change until you drive all the way back home. Not sure if that applies here but worth noting.

I think I remember reading the sensor is in the right front fender inside the wheel well.... access it as you would headlight or side marker bulbs by pulling the inner fender well down. I haven't checked mine so hopefully some one else will chime in here before you take your car apart and can't find it.......

 

If the ambient air temperature outside is higher than what is displayed, you must be moving forward at a speed of 18MPH or greater for fifteen minutes or so. So if you were in stop and go traffic, its entirely possibly for your display to not change, but display the lower temperature. Its frustrating, I agree, but that unfortunately is the way its programed.

 

Mine will show the temp inside the garage, then when I pull out, it almost instantly starts to change to match the outside air temp. Usually changes several degrees before I hit the blacktop at the end of the drive. Hmmmmmm.

 

It will adjust down, almost immediately, but not up. If its warmer in my garage than it is outside, it will adjust almost immediately. If its cooler in the garage than it is outside, it won't adjust until I do the not less than 18MPH without stopping for 12 to 15 minutes. Dealer service dept confirmed this is way its programed, and not only on the HHR apparently.

 

Thanks for the tips, guys. Driving around yesterday I was mostly in stop and go traffic, so who knows, maybe that was it. I'll keep an eye on it and give the ol' HHR a nice long run for a bit since things seem to be back to normal again. Oh, and if the sensor is located inside the fender, behind the wheel well liner, then forget about it. I changed a headlight bulb once and that was enough for me. I'm not digging back in there again!

 

Isn't it something when you can complain about an outside temp display on your car? Kind of like being able to complain about the crappy pictures your phone takes.


(Older folks will get the humor in this)

 

GM has adequately explained this in my Owners Manual. A PDF file is available on-line in case anyone is without the book.

 

my temp works fine...changes almost instantly. i know this because i'll be parked at work all day in the middle of summer and itll say like 108 degrees (unaccurate) when i get in to go home. then before i even get out of my parking lot(which is maybe 50 ft) it drops down to normal temp.

 

Yep, it will drop quickly, its when it has to adjust up, that you will see that delay.