My car's temperature gauge says that the temperature outside is at least 20 degrees hotter than it really is?

Question

Why? It may be 75 outside, but my car is claiming it is 90. It's no big deal in August, but it could be a problem in December, when I want to use the heater.

Answer 1

Car's outside temp (ambient temp) gauges are notoriously off.  If this is a new problem, AND it's really important for you to know how hot or cold it is I'm sure the dealer would be happy to look at it for you.  If it's always been off don't bother taking it anywhere--they'll charge you $75 to tell you that's what it's supposed to do (no I'm sure they'd tell you they made some "adjustments" for $75).

Ambient temp reading won't have anything to do with using your heater.

You don't mean the inside temperature reading do you?  That would be different.

Answer 2

hmm well in december couldnt you just tell if its cold enough to turn it on.

Answer 3

There are ways to calibrate this without dealer help.

But, since you gave no other pertinent info, we can't help you further.

Just google search a forum for your vehicle and search there.

Answer 4

The ambient outside temperature sensor is probably the culprit.

Answer 5

the sensor is generally close to the windshield and often times gets thrown off by the radiated heat off the glass in motion its generally much better. you need not worry about winter the systems work fine and there is a different temp sensor inside the car for the heater/ ac.