recently my ext. temp. sensor stopped working. my climate controls say it'* 127 degrees outside, some times it goes as low as 106 but obviously it is screwed up. I assume the sensor itself must have gotten wet or something. I know it is located in the front somewhere, but where exactly? also I assume this is a part I can change myself so does anybody know the part number for it. for those of you that don't know my car is an '98 SSE.

Can you put your year and model in your signature?

The temp sensor is mounted to the front center radiator support. Black plastic 'nipple' looking thing. A high temp would indicate an open circuit. Look for a broken wire, disconnected sensor, or corrosion. I've never seen one fail with 3000 members.

well it was the sensor that failed, no idea why, I swapped in a new one and it works just fine now.

I had you beat. My car said that it was a balmy 168*. This caused problems with the temp settings of the ECC. At 90* setting, it was hot alright but at 85* very cool air would be directed to the dash vents. Sweat like a pig or shiver... no in-between. Replacing the ambient air sensor corrected my problem too.

BTW, the part was about $18 and was available from a local specialty parts store. Dealers usually stock it too.

On a somewhat related note... my climate controls once read a very-Canadian ( ) -35ºC in the summer after a car washing

That indicates a short or in your case a wet connection. The temp sensor also sets up the idle when first started and can cause the car to run rich or lean while in open loop.

Really? Whoa, I always assumed the climate control reading was indepenent of normal engine operation. Good to know, regardless

What happens with a car that isn't equipped with ECC? Does it still have an ambient air temp sensor?

I don't recall seeing one on the 93 parts car I had.

Mine was shot when I got the car.....I just never bothered to mention it....

Well, now I know where to mount the snsor for an aftermarket Thermometer....

Should be interesting since I never got to drive my ECC equippped LeSabre in a MN winter...