Air conditioning

Ambient temperature sensor circuit

9steps
~54min
2/5difficulty
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Toyota RAV4. Ambient temperature sensor circuit

Description

The ambient temperature sensor is installed in the front part of the condenser to detect the ambient temperature and control the air conditioner. The sensor is connected to the combination meter and detects fluctuations in the ambient temperature. This data is used for controlling the room temperature.

The sensor sends a signal to the air conditioning amplifier via the combination meter. The resistance of the ambient temperature sensor changes in accordance with the ambient temperature. As the temperature decreases, the resistance increases. As the temperature increases, the resistance decreases.

The air conditioning amplifier applies a voltage (5 v) to the ambient temperature sensor and reads voltage changes as changes in the resistance of the ambient temperature sensor. The combination meter sends the read signal to the air conditioning amplifier via can communication.

Toyota RAV4. Ambient temperature sensor circuit

Wiring diagram
Toyota RAV4. Ambient temperature sensor circuit

Inspection procedure
  1. Read value of intelligent tester (ambi temp sens)
  2. Connect the intelligent tester (with can vim) to the dlc3.
  3. Turn the ignition switch on and turn the intelligent tester main switch on.
  4. Select the item below in the data list, and read the value displayed on the intelligent tester.
    Toyota RAV4. Read value of intelligent tester (ambi temp sens)

Ok: the display is as specified in the normal condition column.
Toyota RAV4. Read value of intelligent tester (ambi temp sens)



  1. Inspect ambient temperature sensor
Toyota RAV4. Inspect ambient temperature sensor

  1. Remove the ambient temperature sensor.
  2. Measure the resistance of the sensor.
Standard resistance
Notice:
  • Touching the sensor even slightly may change the resistance value. Be sure to hold the connector of the sensor.
  • When measuring, the sensor temperature must be the same as the ambient temperature.
Hint:

As the temperature increases, the resistance decreases (see the graph).



  1. Check wire harness (ambient temperature sensor - combination meter)
Toyota RAV4. Check wire harness (ambient temperature sensor - combination meter)

  1. Disconnect the a17 sensor connector.
  2. Disconnect the e19 meter connector.
  3. Measure the resistance of the wire harness side connectors.
Standard resistance


Replace combination meter

Test yourself

A quick Toyota RAV4 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.