Temperature measurement is completely off. Why? How to fix?

bringsmewomen · 05-31-2006, 05:40 PM

It was about 85-90 degrees today and my gauge said it was 68 on the dash. Any reason why this could be happening and how I fix it?

arcrox · 05-31-2006, 06:11 PM

I would think the only way to fix it is to visit your dealer.

canucklion · 05-31-2006, 06:36 PM

dealer.
This is not directed towards the OP, but I don't get why people would fix stuff themselves on a new car when it's covered under warranty.

ward · 05-31-2006, 06:37 PM

it usually takes the sensor a while to acclimate when you take it from somewhere cooler than temp and go outdoors with it

it shouldn't read that far off though, but initially an error like that doesn't seem too bad.

When I'm in line at the drive thru, I know it's not really 110 outside just exhaust from the other cars.

it's a pretty simple resistance based temp sensor, if it's off it should be off all the time, have the dealer swap for a new one if it looks like the sensors off

bringsmewomen · 05-31-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

it usually takes the sensor a while to acclimate when you take it from somewhere cooler than temp and go outdoors with it

it shouldn't read that far off though, but initially an error like that doesn't seem too bad.

When I'm in line at the drive thru, I know it's not really 110 outside just exhaust from the other cars.

it's a pretty simple resistance based temp sensor, if it's off it should be off all the time, have the dealer swap for a new one if it looks like the sensors off

ok. I'll see if it gets better next time I drive it. I only noticed it a couple times.

Brunotheboxer · 05-31-2006, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

it usually takes the sensor a while to acclimate when you take it from somewhere cooler than temp and go outdoors with it

i agree. when its very warm out and i first start my car, the temp gage reads cooler than it really is. i'd say it take at least a few minutes for it to become accurate.

BigPapiDoesItAgain · 05-31-2006, 09:41 PM

Sounds like a bad temp sensor. In the E39 5er, the sensor was behind the front bumper of the car on the right side. I had one detach when the black plastic guard under the front of the bumper caught on a tire stop and pulled the whole edge of the bumper loose. I don't know if it is in the same place, but I would bet that is your problem - not that it is detached, b/c you would probably see it dangling, but it may be faulty. It's an easy fix for the dealer.

05-31-2006, 05:40 PM	#1
bringsmewomen Lieutenant 249 Rep 484 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Temperature measurement is completely off. Why? How to fix? It was about 85-90 degrees today and my gauge said it was 68 on the dash. Any reason why this could be happening and how I fix it?
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05-31-2006, 06:11 PM	#2
arcrox E90post addict 17 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2024 G20 M340i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I would think the only way to fix it is to visit your dealer.
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05-31-2006, 06:36 PM	#3
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	dealer. This is not directed towards the OP, but I don't get why people would fix stuff themselves on a new car when it's covered under warranty. __________________
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05-31-2006, 06:37 PM	#4
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	it usually takes the sensor a while to acclimate when you take it from somewhere cooler than temp and go outdoors with it it shouldn't read that far off though, but initially an error like that doesn't seem too bad. When I'm in line at the drive thru, I know it's not really 110 outside just exhaust from the other cars. it's a pretty simple resistance based temp sensor, if it's off it should be off all the time, have the dealer swap for a new one if it looks like the sensors off
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05-31-2006, 09:41 PM	#7
BigPapiDoesItAgain Private 2 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2019 Porsche Cayenne Base Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shreveport, LA iTrader: (0)	Sounds like a bad temp sensor. In the E39 5er, the sensor was behind the front bumper of the car on the right side. I had one detach when the black plastic guard under the front of the bumper caught on a tire stop and pulled the whole edge of the bumper loose. I don't know if it is in the same place, but I would bet that is your problem - not that it is detached, b/c you would probably see it dangling, but it may be faulty. It's an easy fix for the dealer.
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