Q: A/c works but has no ambient air temp sensor

asked by on June 04, 2016

Hi, my a/c has worked fine, besides the fact that the ambient air temp sensor wires were cut so the outside air display just show two dashes--... i decided to buy a new sensor and wire it up(makeshift) i dont have the harness so i just used like bridges... anyways when i started the car the temp popped up on the dash like it was supposed to but, the a/c then blew only warm air!!! It started making a clicking noise about 5 to 8 clicks like the compressor was trying to kick in and out. Also my idle bogged waaaaay down.... i looked at the fuse box under the hood and it looks like the 10amp fuse labeled a/c is missing, i tried to put in the new fuse but the clips the fuse slide into arent there either please help point me in a direction

My car has 104 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Heating AC Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello there. It sounds like something weird happened when you connected the new sensor and rewired it.

From what you have described, there may a a short somewhere in the system that is causing the AC system to act up, or the fuse is blown.

If the fuse hole is empty, it may be an optional one from the factory for cars that had additional or other options from your vehicle.

A qualified Technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose this fault and perform any repairs required.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the Vehicle Personalization feature?
One neat feature of the vehicle is the Vehicle Personalization feature. With this, you can set certain features around the truck to your specifications. This makes the truck easier to use for that driver. Unlike the seat memory feature, the...
Driver's side window won't work.
If your driver side window is not going up, it is possible that the regulator or motor has failed. Sometimes they come together as one unit, sometimes the motor is replaceable by itself. I would recommend having the vehicle looked...
Car overheating due to nonworking fan
The fan on your vehicle is an electric fan. It comes on as needed to help cool the radiator when the coolant reaches a pre-determined temperature. This is usually around 220 degrees. Fan motor failure is common and not a...
What would cause the carpet on the floor(back driver side) to be soaked?
You should have your A/C drain checked to make sure it is clear. You have floor vents that go under your seats, and if the A/C drain is plugged or not draining, then the water will come out of the...
My car will turn over but will not start.
If the car is "flooding" (getting too much fuel), there can be a number of causes. The fuel pressure regulator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pressure-regulator-replacement) may have failed, or is not getting the proper vacuum signal. A failed coolant temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-temperature-switch-sensor-replacement) can cause...
It will crank but will not turn on. Leaving a smell of gas
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having spark issues. If the spark is not strong enough to ignite all of the fuel, or does not ignite the fuel at all, the spark plugs may not be...
I have a 2009 Chevy aveo. The temperature gauge is under C and the hold button is flashing. I have a/c and heat is working.
Hi there. When the temperature gauge displays below the "C" - this is typically an indication that either the coolant temperature sensor is damaged or the display gauge itself is faulty, has a blown fuse or there is a communication...
Can I use a 4.0 V6 engine from Tacoma or 4Runner for a replacement on 07 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
The 2007 model FJ Cruiser and Toyota Tacomas do have the same 4.0 V6 motor, which was not updated until 2010 when Toyota changed the VVT set up on the FJ Cruiser. This was not changed at that time for...
I have a 2004 cadillac srx. Today the engine light started blinking and the car shakes when you accelerate
The engine is undoubtedly misfiring (the blinking light is associated with misfiring) and once the OBD-II trouble codes are read they will undoubtedly reflect that. Without the specific codes though, it is unknowable whether the misfiring is global (random, across...

Related articles

What Is the Difference Between a Water-Cooled Engine and an Air-Cooled Engine?
There There are a few main differences between a water-cooled and air-cooled engine. Air-cooled engines utilize an engine cylinder design that incorporates cooling fins all the way around the cylinder and on top of the piston cylinder head. These fins...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus LS 600h L
The The “h” stands for hybrid, and while you might hope to get greatly improved gas mileage for your effort to go green, that shouldn’t be your motivation for buying this model. The 600h L offers a mere 1 mpg...
Lexus Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Drivers Drivers who are in the market for a used Lexus vehicle may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on...