Rear View Mirror Temperature? Always wrong.

[porksoda]

I was wondering if there is a way to either reset the temperature settings on the rear view mirror or replace some sort of sensor?
I can go out to my car right now and check the temperature and it'll say its like 95-100*F. Although it is actually 70*F outside. During the day when it is in the 90's the temp it'll say on the mirror will be like 120*F. So I am sure something can be done. Hope someone can give me some information on this.

Thanks!


BTW my ride is a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE OffRoad 4x4.

[smj999smj]

Try cleaning the sensor bulb, first, and see if that works. The ambient temp sensor is usually located behind the grille, in front of the AC condenser.

[skinny2]

Does it correct itself once you're driving? I can think of multiple vehicle that give goofy readings when it's sitting (particularly in the hot sun) but once driving it is accurate. That seems normal to me.

[eieio]

with the temperature sensor practically inside the engine compartment, I can't figure out why these readings on the display aren't far more off the mark than they are
they are surprisingly accurate in both of my R51s

[porksoda]

It doesn't make a difference if I am driving or parked. Seems like it is always like around 20 degrees higher then it actually is.

[eieio]

about the only thing I can think of to try would be to toggle back and forth from Fahrenheit to Celcius a few times to see if it makes a difference
instructions are in the owners' manual on pg 2-9
otherwise, the service manual should have specs and procedures to test the sensor

[jman9895]

Its a Gentex Mirror with a temp sensor. As far as i'm aware there is no calibration procedure. It could be time for a new temp sensor. Also, unplug the sensor and look at the connection. These are resistance driven so even a small amount of schmutz (technical term), can cause an issue.

I have one in all three of my cars. Two of them came out of chevy trucks at the junkyard and all three are between 5-10 degrees off. 20 is an awfully big difference.

I honestly dont think you're going to get 100% accuracy with the thing when compared to say, a digital thermometer. But, you should be within 5 degrees of it.

EDIT: there is a compass recalibration procedure for these if your compass is acting up.