Intrepid V6-3.2L VIN J (1998)
Cabin Temperature Sensor / Switch: Description and Operation
SYSTEM OPERATION
ATC Sensor Motor-Fan Operation
ATC In-Car Temperature Sensor
The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC In-Car Temperature Sensor returns electrical signals to the Body Control Module (BCM). The In-Car
Temperature Sensor is used on ATC equipped vehicles only. The In-Car Temperature Sensor is made up of two parts. One part is the in-car sensor
motor fan assembly and the second part is a temperature thermistor. The in-car sensor motor fan assembly attaches to the back of the ATC Control
head. This assembly has a small fan and a motor which draws air through the intake on the front of the ATC control. The in-car sensor thermistor
is located inside of the ATC Control Head. Air drawn from the passenger compartment by the in-car sensor motor-fan assembly, flows over the
thermistor. The in-car sensor thermistor changes resistance with air temperature. The BCM measures this resistance and calculates the temperature
of the air drawn into the ATC Control. The ATC system then makes adjustments to maintain the optimum passenger compartment comfort. Refer
to the ATC Sensor Motor-Fan Operation table for when the ATC Sensor is operating.
The in-car sensor motor is a separate serviceable part connected to the ATC Control Head. See Diagnosis and Testing for proper check of airflow.
The in-Car Sensor Thermistor is part of the ATC Control Head and not a separate serviceable part. One must replace the ATC Control if the ATC
self-diagnostics indicates a fault code. See Self-Diagnostics for information on diagnosing wiring and thermistor.
