Mirrors - Temperature Display Inaccurate

Mirrors - Temperature Display Inaccurate

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Circuit/System Description

The inside rear view mirror (ISRVM) applies 5 volts to the ambient air temperature sensor. The ambient air temperature sensor is a thermistor which varies in resistance as the temperature changes. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor increases, the ISRVM senses a larger voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a lower temperature. As the resistance of the ambient air temperature sensor decreases, the ISRVM senses a smaller voltage drop across the sensor, indicating a higher temperature.


Diagnostic Aids

The following table will be used to measure the resistance of the sensor and compare it with the actual ambient temperature. The mirror's temperature accuracy should be within 5 degrees of the actual temperature. The actual temperature should not be taken from a radio station, a sign displaying the temperature, etc. A temperature measuring tool such as a thermometer should be used. Some temperature measuring tools may be within 5 degrees of the actual temperature. Make sure to consult the manufacturer for the accuracy of the tool. This comparison can make the mirror seem off by 5-10 degrees of the actual temperature when it is not.






Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Inside Rearview Mirror Schematics (Inside Rearview Mirror Schematics)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Component Connector End Views)
Description and Operation

* Instrument Cluster Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
* Automatic Day-Night Mirror Description and Operation (Automatic Day-Night Mirror Description and Operation)

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for Scan Tool Information


Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient air temperature sensor. Install a signal generator and instrument panel tester between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B.
2. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 2.5K to 230K. Verify that the temperature displayed on the ISRVM matches the ambient temperature resistance chart.

• If the temperature displayed is incorrect, test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the ISRVM.

3. If the temperature displayed is correct, replace the ambient air temperature sensor.



Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.


Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for ISRVM replacement, setup, and programming