Ambient Outside Air Temp Gauge Sensor

[Koizumi]

I installed a pretty useless but fun outside air thermometer. I don’t know why I’m obsessed with temps, but I admit that I am.

Anyhow, for those that have such a gizmo in their car, where is the ideal location for the probe?

I stuck mine outside the added-on front oil cooler vent, under the front bumper lip. It seems to be very accurate most of the time but not over 80F. Pretty sure it isn’t getting any direct sunlight.

Excuse the glare… The probe is that itty bitty silver thang under the lip.

[Johnr352]

Nice, where'd you get the little gauge pod?

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by Johnr352

Nice, where'd you get the little gauge pod?

It took forever to find one in Fahrenheit!

https://defender.com/en_us/sea-dog-digital-led-temperature-meter-421618-1

[MTN930]

Nice idea. Been looking for a similar solution.

Interesting why it doesn't work well over 80°. in looking up the link, it reminds me of one we had on our ski boat to measure water temperature - with the temperature sensor mounted flush through the hull.

Can't help but wonder if what you're using is more for lake/sea water temps than air temps which can get way more than 80°.

[Koizumi]

Well, it actually works very well above 80°, I think it’s getting direct sunlight on it at times.

So I was wondering if anyone else has something like my setup but has a better spot to place the probe.

I thought about behind the front oil cooler vent. But it must get hot behind there with the oil cooler right there.

[blucille]

modern cars seem to put those temp sensors in places higher off the ground, so the impact from hot pavement isn't as drastic, and out of the airflow as the car is moving forward. Often behind the front bumper, behind the front spoiler.

On a 911, I would think the front left fender behind the headlight bucket is probably a good spot, or the front valence behind the front bumper.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by blucille

modern cars seem to put those temp sensors in places higher off the ground, so the impact from hot pavement isn't as drastic, and out of the airflow as the car is moving forward. Often behind the front bumper, behind the front spoiler.

On a 911, I would think the front left fender behind the headlight bucket is probably a good spot, or the front valence behind the front bumper.

That makes a lot of sense. I’ll try out one of those spots. I wasn’t sure if airflow was good or bad. I guess it’s better sans airflow, sunlight and radiant asphalt heat.

[Johnr352]

Originally Posted by Koizumi

It took forever to find one in Fahrenheit!

https://defender.com/en_us/sea-dog-digital-led-temperature-meter-421618-1

Nice! How about the nice looking fitting that holds your two gauges? I like it.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by Johnr352

Nice! How about the nice looking fitting that holds your two gauges? I like it.

Here ya go… It’s the classic Dorman gauge enclosures. There are many variations, 1 gauge, 2 gauge etc… Fits great and is solid. Configure as you see fit: cigarette lighter outlet, gauge, etc.

https://a.co/d/6EOsIQp

[MTN930]

@Koizumi - thanks for the clarification on the temp thing. Must've misinterpreted your original post.

I'll pick one of these up and give it a try.

On the probe, it does seem like most modern cars put it in a place where it's not getting direct sunlight or reflective heat from pavement/roads - behind the bumper somewhere.

Thanks again.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by MTN930

@Koizumi - thanks for the clarification on the temp thing. Must've misinterpreted your original post.

I'll pick one of these up and give it a try.

On the probe, it does seem like most modern cars put it in a place where it's not getting direct sunlight or reflective heat from pavement/roads - behind the bumper somewhere.

Thanks again.

Let us know how it goes!

I’m going to move the probe to the left side behind headlight area.

Now that I’ve had the install for a few weeks (with lots of driving and seasonal weather changes) I can see that it needs to be behind airflow and away from emissive heat sources.

Side note: the gauge is accurate. It just needs to be in the correct place.

[evan9eleven]

Cool little mod!

Anyone know if there is something similar, but that transmits to an app?

[GeorgeK]

[Rick Cabell]

Hi George, did you get that. Custom made?

[85RedCarrera]

Originally Posted by Rick Cabell

Hi George, did you get that. Custom made?

They're only $250. Seriously, that is pretty cool. I need a temp gauge in my car to let me know the temp when I'm in freezing conditions. Big problem though- where do I store my cassette tapes then?

https://gaugesvdo.com/products/1415-397-154-vdo-120f-outside-temperature-gauge-kit/?srsltid=AfmBOopM7zRoo0JXzmAtqi18B0Dsiaz6XWJYamgdy PaGoq-OpDZbo722n3M

[URL FIXED]

[Rick Cabell]

Link did not work for me. I assume it has electronic sensor. Cost me $800 to get the old one fixed in my 67 Targa. That was the old original type.

[GeorgeK]

Hi Rick.
NHS did that one for me, about 12 years ago. Still works today

[Rick Cabell]

So is it digital inside? or long probe filled with ether?

[Koizumi]

The VDO unit linked is discontinued, hence the exorbitant price for leftover dead stock. They used to cost $99. You’d think they’d markdown the price instead of asking for more.

In other words, buy now if u want it because they will vanish at some point.

Note that they are standard gauge size 52mm and do NOT fit in the clock space! The clock hole diameter is 80mm!!

[GeorgeK]

Rick, mine is electronic with a wired sensor