Durango 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
Console: Testing and Inspection
Component Tests
The thermometer function is supported by an ambient temperature sensor, a wiring circuit, and a portion of the overhead console trip computer, compass,
and thermometer display module display. The sensor is mounted outside the passenger compartment near the front and center of the vehicle.
If any portion of the ambient temperature sensor circuit fails, the thermometer display will self-diagnose the circuit. An "SC" (short circuit) will appear in
the display in place of the temperature, when the sensor is exposed to temperatures above 110° C (230° F), or if the sensor circuit is shorted. An "OC"
(open circuit) will appear in the display in place of the temperature, when the sensor is exposed to temperatures below -50° C (-58° F), or if the sensor
circuit is open.
The ambient temperature sensor circuit can also be diagnosed using the following Sensor Test, and Sensor Circuit Test. If the temperature sensor and
circuit are confirmed to be OK, but the temperature display is inoperative or incorrect, see Trip Computer, Compass, and Thermometer Display Module
in the Diagnosis and Testing.
Sensor Test
1. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Unplug the temperature sensor wire harness
connector.
2. Measure the resistance of the temperature sensor. At -40° C (-40° F), the sensor resistance is 336 kilo ohms. At 55° C (131° F), the sensor
resistance is 2.488 kilo ohms. The sensor resistance should read between these two values. If OK, see Sensor Circuit Test in the Diagnosis and
Testing. If not OK, replace the faulty sensor.
Sensor Circuit Test
1. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Unplug the ambient temperature sensor wire harness
connector and the overhead console wire harness connector.
2. Connect a jumper wire between the two terminals in the body half of the sensor wire harness connector.
3. Check for continuity between the sensor return circuit and the ambient temperature sensor signal circuit cavities of the overhead console wire
harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
4. Remove the jumper wire from the ambient temperature sensor wire harness connector. Check for continuity between the sensor return circuit
cavity of the overhead console wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
short circuit as required.
5. Check for continuity between the ambient temperature sensor signal circuit cavity of the overhead console wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be no continuity If OK, see Trip Computer, Compass, and Thermometer Display Module in the Diagnosis and Testing. If not
OK, repur the short circuit as required.
