I have a 96 Grand Caravan. Recently the overhead readout for the outside air temp stopped working. The Direction/Compass part works but the outside temp reading just says "OC". The book I have doesn't show much about this at all. This seemed to happen right about the time I replaced the radiator. I only remember disconnecting the wiring to the radiator fans and they are hooked back up so i dont' know if it is coincidence or if it is related. Can anyone tell me how to locate the actual sensor, and any wiring info on how to troubleshoot this?
Thanks,
John
Oklahoma Wolf
10-10-2005, 01:50 PM
OC indicates open circuit - what has likely happened is the wiring to the sensor or the sensor itself is the problem. It's located under the radiator behind the front bumper in the middle. My father's '96 had that problem when he bought it - it turned out the plastic mounting bracket had broken and the sensor was just flopping around hanging by the wires. One wire had been broken, causing the OC condition.
I resoldered the wires to the connector but left it dangling - been working ever since, but I really should have found a way to secure the sensor ;)
96Grand
10-10-2005, 08:54 PM
I suspect that your map/baro sensor may also be bad... it is located on the plenum near the throttle body. There are two bolts and an electrical "plug" connection to remove.
:rck:
gas28man
10-11-2005, 09:11 AM
Actually, the OC you're seeing means Zero Degrees Celcius. Hit the left-hand button on your console to change it from Metric to US, and it will say OF, meaning Zero Degrees Fahrenheit. The reason for this is your outside air temp sensor is broken. It's a dealer part, but not expensive. Under $25 as I remember. You find it behind your front bumper. You can see it through the lower grille opening. There's a single connector and a single bolt holding it to the bottom of the radiator cradle. Five minute job to replace.
Good luck.
Rick
ctxman
10-11-2005, 01:27 PM
Thanks Everyone...I'll check it out tonight when I get home.
John
donald7150
10-13-2005, 04:01 PM
this is directly from the chrysler service manual:
THERMOMETER AND COMPASS
THERMOMETER
Engine temperature can increase the displayed temperature. The CMTC is designed to dampen temperature readings when the vehicle is moving at a rate slower than 18 miles per hour.
The outside temperature is measured from a sensor mounted in the front of the vehicle. If the temperature is more than 55°C (131°F) or the temperature sending line is shorted to ground, the temperature display should read SC. If the temperature is less than -40°C (-40°F), or the sending line is an open circuit, the display should read OC.
The CMTC will not allow the temperature reading to increase when the vehicle is not moving.
