Outside Temperature Display: Description and Operation

The outside temperature is displayed on the electronic display located at the front of the console. Temperature readings can be displayed in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C). Pushing the US/MET switch located on the left side of the display alternates the temperature readings between Fahrenheit and Celsius. If the outside temperature is 3°C (37°F) or lower the display will toggle between the word "ICE" and the current temperature every eight seconds in order to warn the driver of the possibility of icy road conditions.

The outside temperature is measured from a sensor located behind the front grille. In this location, heat from the radiator may warm the sensor above the actual ambient temperature if there is insufficient airflow across the sensor. To prevent a false temperature display, the electronic module monitors vehicle speed. The vehicle speed must meet certain conditions before the module will display a new reading from the sensor. If the vehicle speed is less than 2g km/h (18 mph), the temperature display is not updated. If the vehicle speed is between 2g and 58 km/h (18 and 36 mph), the temperature display is updated at a slow rate. If the vehicle speed is over 58 km/h (36 mph) for longer than two minutes, the sensor will be at the correct ambient temperature and the display is updated continuously to reflect the ambient temperature accurately.

When the vehicle is first started, the electronic module determines how long the vehicle has been turned off by using an internal timer. If the vehicle has been off for less than four hours, the sensor may be warmer than the actual ambient since the engine and radiator may not have cooled down yet. In this case, to prevent a false temperature from being displayed, the electronic module displays the same temperature as when the vehicle was last turned off. A new sensor reading will not be displayed until the vehicle speed meets the criteria mentioned above. If the vehicle has been off for more than four hours, the module will take an immediate temperature reading from the sensor and display that temperature. Further updates then must meet the vehicle speed criteria.