Quote:
Originally Posted by MartinPorter
... how come if the temp hits zero or below my driver’s seat turns on? ...
Thanks for your help!
|
General info: Modern cars fitted with the outside temperature gauge usually have different extras or tasks associated with it. For example:
As in your case(although it is faulty, but it still gives a reading)
After a manufacturer pre-set temperature(usually +5 C) and if the sensor is working and displaying actual outside temperature and if programmed to do so a vehicle can perform automated tasks
if the engine is runing, such as:
Automatic rear window heating.
Defrosting the outside rearview mirrors.
Automatic seat heating.
Glow plug control unit activating the glow plugs.
Auxilary heating on(if fitted) and other tasks
Outside ambient temperature sensor also has a crucial role how the engine performs.
All important... fuel mixture!
It makes fuel mixture richer while the engine is heating up(usually bellow +5C), hence it uses more fuel on warmup. Once it gets up to the temperature it switches back to normal operating conditions.
So if the temperature gauge/display reads -37C(for example) while actual outside air temperature is +15C, it means your car is using slightly more fuel that it is supposed to, hence the lower MPG that you're getting. There are other factors in play as well, for example, a thermostat and so on.....
Long story short. If the temperature display shows incorrect temperature, get it sorted, normally it's a cheap fix.
