Dakota 2WD V8-4.7L VIN J (2005)
Road Temperature Sensor: Description and Operation
The ambient air temperature sensor is a variable resistor that monitors the air temperature outside of the vehicle. The ambient air temperature sensor is
mounted onto the inside of the front bumper beam and its data is used by the heating-A/C system to maintain optimum cabin temperature levels.
The ambient air temperature sensor is a variable resistor that operates on a ground circuit and a 5-volt reference signal circuit sent by the front control
module (FCM) through a two-wire lead and connector of the vehicle wire harness. The ambient air temperature sensor changes its internal resistance in
response to changes in the outside air temperature, which either increases or decreases the reference signal voltage read by the FCM. The FCM converts
and broadcasts the sensor data over the controller area network (CAN) B bus, where it is read by the A/Cheater control and other various vehicle control
modules.
The ambient air temperature sensor is diagnosed using the scan tool.
The ambient air temperature sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
