DIY:
External (Ambient) Temperature Sensor Replacement
The ETS placement on an E39 is shown in the following thread.
Where is the External Temperature Sensor located?
If your temp reading is still -40°C after several days, you may need to try this...
Depending on the amount and kind of damage done to the wires, you may need this kit.
If you use the kit, there are some additional instructions that you'll need to follow to get the sensor working. The following is the best description of the extra steps, but as more data becomes available, I'll update this post.
Last edited by jamesdc4; 08-22-2012 at 07:56 PM.
Thanks James,
I'd like to add my 2 cents:
1. The factory location is prone to curbside damage, so I relocated the temp sensor upward a bit (in the same area as the Air Pump) to avoid repeat damage. I did this in 2006 and so far so good:
2. After installing the new temp sensor, you must drive the car, otherwise the computer will not recognize and calibrate it.
End of my 2 cents, HTH.
Does anyone know the part number of the sensor?
Cam seems to really like zip ties, but I'll PM him and let him know you are inquiring about his method.
You should study realoem.com's site and try to get familiar with how parts are grouped. Even though parts from one model E39 may seem similar to parts on another model, the best way to browse for the correct part for your E39 is to enter the VIN into the above website.
Also, I am unable to post the proper part number for you because the only information you list about your car is that it is an E39. That is probably the most obvious information about your vehicle. Since this is the E39 forum, we can safely assume you are referring to an E39! What we need to know is the year (production date preferably) of your car and the model designation (540, 530, etc.).
Please read through the FAQ thread parked at the top of the E39 main subforum as it contains information that would have saved both of us some time.
Please read before posting!!! E39 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)/ Links/ Autoparts
Last edited by jamesdc4; 04-01-2010 at 09:26 PM.
Yes,
James is correct.
Look closely at the above pic, I used a single zip tie. It works well.
Actually if you don't have a drill, then use a screw to tap 2 holes for the zip tie.
PS: "Eyeball", I'd go buy another cover (even if you move the temp sensor upward) because this cover protects the Air Pump and your temp sensor.
The cover is inexpensive, about $15 or so at dealer.
Last edited by cnn; 04-02-2010 at 09:58 AM.
You got ripped off. The online price is about $30.
And Yes you have to drive the car a while so the computer registers the new sensor.
Last edited by cnn; 04-03-2010 at 09:32 AM.
Bummer you got hosed although not all parts at the dealership are marked up that much. Did you read the entire first post in this thread?
By the way, YOU are the one that will benefit from putting more specific car info in your car list.
Good luck.
Last edited by jamesdc4; 04-02-2010 at 09:23 PM.
"Fixed. The female plug Bav Auto provides is three pieces; a gray piece, a green piece, and a white piece. I pulled them all apart and once I too the white piece off the wires simply slipped in. Simple instructions saying to take all the pieces apart would have saved me a lot of time and cussing. Oh well. Thanks for the help."
I skipped the female plug and slid the female parts of the wiring onto the ouput pins of the sensor then housed it with electrical tape. Be very careful not to break or bend the pins. My exterior temp reading has been accurate for the past month since I did this.
Where I am the seasons have been changing, so we have had some eratic temperature changes. Temp sensor has been fairly accurate.
Thanks for the great writeup! Replaced my sensor this weekend and it registered the correct temperature as soon as I turned the key.
The write-ups helped - thank you guys & also for providing the links. Did both the outside temp sensor & the plastic panel that holds it, today on my wife's E39 touring. Yes, it was showing -40 degrees & had lost the battle with a curb. After install, drove it to reset temp - took @ 7 miles & it was back up to outside temp & a/c began working again.
Thanks,
Jack
I jacked up my m5 today to give this a go; the entire sensor and wires were missing.
When I removed the panel, there was only a 'plug' there, with no wires.
I mistakenly only ordered one wire, so I'm waiting on that. In your picture above, you show two 'tubes'. What are those for?
Putting the sensor together is easy enough, but then I'll have two white wires leading away from it to the part connected to the car; I checked that part out fairly well, and it doesn't really look like the wires just push into it (the regular end of the wire, not the end with the connector attached).
Am I missing an additional part other than the extra white wire? How do the white wires connect to the connector attached to the vehicle?
Thanks! - Chris
jamesdc4,
Thanks... !
Greetings to all,
Hey I am trying to figure out how to put my ambient repair kit wires together...Do anyone have instructions to provide?
Thanks
Last edited by jamesdc4; 08-06-2010 at 02:11 PM.
I fixed it. The wiring was *not* good. A voltmeter revealed it. The sensor was dangling loose and snagged on something, disappearing and in the process damaging the wiring.
I traced the break, which was right at the place where the sensor plugs into the plastic receptacle, and solder it together. Thus far it holds. If it doesn't, I will get the kit.
To validate the wiring being good, pull the voltage with a voltmeter, mine read 3.5V.
Another sign is that you should see the temperature immediately go down. First, the -40C display should start flashing. Within 5-10 minutes, it should read -39.5C and then take another hour or two to get to say +15C. By that time, AC was blowing ice-cold.
I relocated the sensor to a new place, holding it with straps. Will examine it in a few days and decide if I should keep it there or find a more permanent place.
Where did you reposition the sensor?
Last edited by jamesdc4; 08-11-2010 at 02:59 PM.
Okay, I replaced ambient air temp. sensor yesterday. The sensor along with a new plug. The wires were soldered then shrink wrapped. Temperature was showing -40 prior to changing out. Started the car and it read +122. Drove about 10 miles temp. went down to about +55 for a minute or so then back to +122. Today I drove about 60 miles all but a minute temp showing at +122. I hesitate to short the terminals out. Is this the only way or can I just wait this out and maybe the sensor will calibrate itself ? My ride is a 2000 M5.
Thanks Henry
Okay, I replaced ambient air temp. sensor yesterday. The sensor along with a new plug. The wires were soldered then shrink wrapped. Temperature was showing -40 prior to changing out. Started the car and it read +122. Drove about 10 miles temp. went down to about +55 for a minute or so then back to +122. Today I drove about 60 miles all but a minute temp showing at +122. I hesitate to short the terminals out. Is this the only way or can I just wait this out and maybe the sensor will calibrate itself ? My ride is a 2000 M5.
Thanks Henry
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