Display is showing "--" degrees c instead of temperature

[aust250378]

Hi all,

I have just aquired a 1996 406 1.9 Diesel and am working through a couple of minor niggles. I have the climate control system which appears to work perfectly, howver on the top right hand side of the radio display, instead of the outside temperature showing in degrees I just have a flashing "--" double dash.

Does this indicate that the outside temp sensor is not working? and more importantly if it isn't working would it not affect the correct operation of the climate control?

Regards

Austin

[teamster1975]

Welcome Austin!
If you're just seeing dashes the temp sensor may have gone open circuit or the plug needs reseating.
The sensor is in the base of the passenger wing mirror, you have to remove the glass to unscrew it. First port of call would be to unscrew the whole wing mirror and try reseating the connector. If this doesn't make any difference they sell the sensor at the dealers for £15 odd from memory.
I need to change mine as well, the temperature is apparently 35c today

[aust250378]

Hi teamster1975,

Thanks for the quick reply!

Would this directly affect the internal climate control or is it just for display purposes?

Thanks again

Austin

[teamster1975]

I think it's just for display purposes. It certainly hasn't made any difference to the CC on my car.
The leads from the sensor run directly to the trip computer; I've run with this disconnected (for a different reason!) and it made no difference.

[aust250378]

Ok thanks, I'll look into it.

Regards

Austin

[Welly]

On some CC systems the outside air temperature sensor is wired directly to the climate ECU to determine the direction of airflow in the cabin i.e. to the footwell and windscreen (winter mode) or to the face vents only (summer). It also uses the signal to determine whether or not it can use the a/c compressor (to prevent damaging it in the winter).

Since the 406's climate cannot adjust the direction of airflow automatically then I'd say the temperature control of the cabin is the responsisbility of the cabin sensor and the sunlight sensor only.

In other words Teamy is right, the outside temperature sensor is for 'display purposes only'......on a D8 anyhow.