/ erratic outside air temperature readings /

[williammoses]

In recent weeks, I have noticed that the outside air temperature readings in my 2011 EX35 have become somewhat erratic. By erratic I mean the following:
1.) The vehicle's outside air temperature reading is as high as 10 degrees (F) hotter than the true ambient air temperature, even when car is moving about 45 mph. When the vehicle is moving at this speed, outside air temperature reading should not be affected by engine bay heat.
2.) Even though the ambient air temperature is constant, the vehicle's outside air temperature reading can vary about 6 degrees within two or three minutes. Where I live (Washington, DC) the ambient temperature is rarely--if ever--so variable.

During the first six months of ownership, the vehicle's outside air temperature readings were accurate and notably stable. Is the outside air temperature sensor subject to malfunction on EX35's? I have searched the website and have found only one or two references to erratic readings.

[dru19]

Actually, I noticed that just yesterday on my 2010 EX35 Journey. The temperature jumped from 92 to 105 as I was driving through Boston city traffic. It returned to mid 90s about 10-15 minutes later. This is the first time I have seen that issue, but if it happens again, it might be a sensor issue.

[williammoses]

Your observations appear to be remarkably similar to mine. Let's see what others have to say.

[sashki2]

I think it's a nissan thing. Temperature reading on my EX & on my wife's Altima were always incorrect, higher then normal. I don't know where temperature sensor is located. Possibly it's too close to some hot part.

[txgcoupe]

Most cars work that way.

If I'm in the car and comfortable... I could care less what the actual temperature is.

John

[williammoses]

The accuracy of the outside air temperature indictor is important to those who drive in cold climates. It is helpful to know when the ambient temperature drops to 32 derees or less, because water on roads begins to turn into ice at that temperature. Cars easily lose traction on, and there a different driving technique is required. The outside air temperature provides critical information to the driver.

[sashki2]

the temperature sensor worked fine in my Subaru.
It's very useful to know that someone could care less about correct reading though . It would probably be equally useful to to know what I think: if a device is built-in in my car & therefor paid for, it should work right.

[dru19]

Update on my original observation. The issue has not repeated itself since I noticed it the first time. It could be due to the fact that the weather has been a lot cooler last few weeks.

[BigP]

We just bought a 2010 EX35 and I have noticed the same thing (temperature readings of 105 when it is 85-90 outside). My M45 is always within 1-2 degrees of what the radio weather dudes say.

[ewitz]

If the sensor is close to the asphalt the temperature could be significantly higher than the ambient temperature.

[EXceptional]

As sort of mentioned before, maybe we need to locate where the Sensor is?

[Avalanche325]

Mine (2008) seems very steady and consistant. Was it wet out when you saw the variations. The sensor is under the hood lock assembly, so probably high up for puddles.
I have noticed less "high when stopped" readings than in other cars I have owned.