Dakota 2WD V8-4.7L VIN J (2005)
Ambient Temperature Sensor / Switch HVAC: Description and Operation
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable resistor mounted to a bracket that is secured with a screw to the left side of the radiator yoke, behind the
radiator grille and in front of the engine compartment.
The ambient temperature sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if inoperative or damaged, it must be replaced.
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable resistor that operates on a five-volt reference signal sent by the Front Control Module (FCM). The
resistance in the sensor changes as temperature changes, changing the temperature sensor signal circuit voltage to the FCM. Based upon the resistance in
the sensor, the FCM senses a specific voltage on the temperature sensor signal circuit. The FCM then translates the voltage into a temperature reading
that it sent over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus to other modules utilizing temperature information.
