Kia Optima DL3: Air Conditioning System / Ambient Temperature Sensor

Description and operation

Description

The ambient temperature sensor is located at the front of the condenser and detects ambient air temperature. It is a negative type thermistor; resistance will increase with lower temperature, and decrease with higher temperature.

The sensor output will be used for discharge temperature control, temperature regulation door control, blower motor level control, mix mode control and in-car humidity control.

  

If the ambient temperature is below 2.0°C (35.6°F), the A/C compressor will stop.

The compressor will operate manually.

Repair procedures

Inspection
1.

Check the resistance of the ambient temperature sensor between terminals 1 and 2 whether it changes by changing the ambient temperature.

1. Ambient Sensor (+)

2. Sensor ground

Specification

Ambient temperature [°C(°F)]
Resistance between terminal 1 and 2 (kΩ)
-30 (-22)
480.41
-20 (-4)
271.21
-10 (14)
158.18
0 (32)
95.10
10 (50)
58.50
20 (68)
37.32
30 (86)
24.26
40 (104)
16.13
50 (122)
10.95

Replacement
1.

Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.

2.

Remove the front bumper assembly.

(Refer to Body - "Front Bumper Assembly")

3.

Separate the connector (A) and remove the ambient temperature sensor (B).

4.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

  

Make sure connectors are connected properly.

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