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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

External Thermometer Way Off!

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Old Mar 11, 2004 | 11:55 AM
  #1  
robho's Avatar
robho
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From: Mississippi
Default External Thermometer Way Off!

Hey all.
I've had my Roadster for about 2 weeks now, and seemingly just today, it's developed a problem with the external temperature in the trip computer. It's been showing about 51 degrees all day, despite about 40 minutes worth of stop and go driving, and the temperature outside being above 70 according to both the weather channel and my home thermometer.

Has anyone else experienced this? I mean, I don't expect this thing to be that terribly accurate - but 20 degrees is a little severe, especially since it's 20 degrees lower than it should be. I've looked under the hood and can not find the sensor, anyone know where to look? All I know is that it's in front of the radiator, but I don't see much there.

Thanks!
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Old Mar 11, 2004 | 01:03 PM
  #2  
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From: Vancouver, Canada
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Mine's been very accurate, always within 1 degree celcius of waht the weather network says
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Old Mar 11, 2004 | 01:03 PM
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From: Chattanooga TN
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Its amazing that you mention this, but yeah. Just started today. It thinks its 45 when its actually about 65. I watch the thermometer constantly and it is usually within a couple of degrees ( usually in the cool side ) but today it is obviously way off.

Thats really weird.

Even after driving it about 30 minutes at lunchtime.

No, I am not kidding.
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Old Mar 11, 2004 | 01:16 PM
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I can't say I've noticed any problems with mine.

RedHerring, nice avatar.
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Old Mar 11, 2004 | 07:26 PM
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I've been tinkering with it today, and I think I may be onto something.

I used to have a Whistler DE3300 - which includes a thermometer. I mounted the sensor in front of the radiator, and when I was stopped, it would climb quickly. As long as I maintained a speed of at least 10-15 mph, the thermometer was accurate.

I left the Z running and sitting for a couple minutes - and the temp didn't change a bit. Then I went for a ride. After about 2 minutes at 50 or so, the thermometer was right on. So my theory is that Nissan has set this thing to only take readings when the car is going over a certain speed for a specified period of time, and also not to jump around too quickly. I noticed that the largest increment I saw was 2 degrees.

What I am trying to figure out now is if it resets when you leave the car off for a while, and if so, how long does it take. When I parked her for the night, the external temp was 57, and the Z showed 57 as well. So, hopefully when I leave for work in the AM, I'll know if it takes a new reading - because I'm fairly certain that it will be much less than 57 at 8 AM.
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