I have a 98 I30. My ambient temperature readings vary dramatically sometimes. There are 2 banks down the street that display the outside temperature. They are always exactly the same. Sometimes my ambient temperature agrees with theirs and sometimes its off by as much as 7-8 degrees. maybe my sensor needs cleaning or the connections checked. Does anyone know where the sensor is located. If not, I guess I can just check at the bank everyday for the temp.

 

Depending on the heat of the pavement your driving on, heat soak of the engine bay while you were stopped up the street as well as many other factors, your readings may vary from what you see posted on buildings, signs or even broadcast over your radio. When the sun hits the temp display at my bank in town, it sometimes reads ridiculously high temps, even in the winter.

 

mine is accurate witin 1 deree any time i ceck it to oter sources...
its located right behind the grill next to the latch for the hood....if u go to napa site, u will see a pic of it and u will find it quick

 

Thank you guys for your input. I found the sensor and cleaned it off with some electrical parts spray. It is now keeping the same temperature as the 2 bank thermometers. I can see how it could be off by where it is placed and how engine bay temps could affect it.