Dakota 2WD L4-2.5L VIN P (2001)
Road Temperature Sensor: Description and Operation
AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR
Ambient air temperature is monitored by the compass mini-trip computer module through the ambient temperature sensor. The ambient
temperature sensor is a variable resistor mounted to a bracket that is secured with a screw to the right 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 faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable resistor that operates on a five-volt reference signal sent to it by the HVAC control head unit. The
resistance in the sensor changes as temperature changes, changing the temperature sensor signal circuit voltage to the HVAC control head unit.
Based upon the resistance in the sensor, the HVAC control head unit senses a specific voltage on the temperature sensor signal circuit, which it is
programmed to correspond to a specific temperature.
