Ambient air temperature sensor location

CHALKY

MEMBER
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
91,000 MILES

Can someone tell me where I can find the sensor under the hood? Any manual that I have seen leaves me guessing with no specifics. The van has an in-dash information center that provides driver with outside air temperature, compass etc. There is a sensor Ford uses to capture the outside temperature. It looks like it might be located in the front right side of the vehicle. I just need to know where it is specifically located so that I can replace it.

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 AT 6:03 PM

4 Replies

CHALKY

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I found the sensor today. It is located low behind the grill just to the left of the license plate bracket as you look at the front of the Van. It is no wheres near parallel with the alternator.

Looks like it is located behind the grille, forward of the radiator core support. It has to be isolated from engine compartment temperature, so it will be where fresh air can hit it.

What made it difficult was Ford sending me the wrong part and me using the incorrect part as a guide for the part to be replaced.

Being a Ford, I am sure I will be replacing this piece again anyways.

The black cylinder object is the correct sensor. The yellow black is not what you want.

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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 5:50 PM

WINDSTAR1970

MEMBER
1 POST
2000 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
117,000 MILES

I need to replace the engine ambient air temperature sensor on my van with a 3.8l v6. I am having difficulty locating this part. I believe that it is located on the right (passenger side) front of the engine compartment. More specifically, I think it is located under the front bumper cover. Is this correct. If so, could you advise me of the best way to access this part so I can install the new sensor. Thanks.

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Thursday, June 28th, 2018 AT 1:17 PM (Merged)

LEGITIMATE007

MECHANIC
5,121 POSTS

The ambient air temperature sensor is located in the air intake tube. Here is a guide that show it being disconnected.

Number 25 is the sensor, and it does not look like it may be either behind the bumper or clipped onto the radiator/condenser.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-an-air-intake-boot

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please get back to us.

Cheers

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