air temperature sensor in front bumper - what does it do exactly?

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May 18, 2006 | 10:17 AM

sbsc300

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From: CA

air temperature sensor in front bumper - what does it do exactly?

Hey guys, I purchased my sc300 not to long ago and noticed that the air temp sensor located within the front bumper was sprayed white. I assume its from the people who tried repainting the front bumper when they replaced it. What exactly does this do and does it have any effect on engine performance? It's a 92 SC300. Thanks.

May 18, 2006 | 10:33 PM

0l33l

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From: Tennessee

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbsc300

If you're thinking fo the same temp sensor as I am, then that is the sensor that tells you the outside temp when you press on the button to the right of your steering wheel. Does it have any effect on engine? Doubt it. Climate control? Maybe

May 18, 2006 | 11:02 PM

PERRYinLA

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From: Orange County, California

92's don't have outside thermometers.

That's the airbag sensor.

May 19, 2006 | 01:24 PM

sbsc300

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From: CA

That's exactly what I was thinking. I thought 92's didn't come with thermo sensor but this bumper has it. It's definitely been replaced as the previous owner had a aftermarket kit on front. I'm wondering if he put a 95 bumper or something and it had the thermo sensor on there. When did the sc's come with the thermo sensor on the bumper? I know for certain there's no button on my steering wheel to look up the outside temp as its a 92 model. Anybody know? Thanks.

May 20, 2006 | 11:23 PM

lsflame

Lexus Test Driver

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From: Tennessee

what about 93s? Do they have the air temp sensor!

May 22, 2006 | 03:18 PM

in308138

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From: ca

93's do i have a 93 sc300 and didnt know what the hell it was was until now air temp sensor what for though sonething else air velocity
maybe

May 22, 2006 | 03:41 PM

933005spd

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Joined: Mar 2001

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From: Tennesee

There is no display for that sensor in the older coupes, but that sensor is an input for the climate control.

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May 24, 2006 | 01:44 AM

XxSC400xX

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From: California

Quote:

Originally Posted by PERRYinLA

92's don't have outside thermometers. That's the airbag sensor.

I sure hope not. My bumper HAD that sensor there until one day a big chunk of tire on the freeway completely ripped it off along with part of the little plastic guard under the bumper. My airbag light doesn't come on. I always thought that it was an outside temperature sensor that seems to be on JDM model Soarers, but the button never made it to the USDM instrument cluster until later years. Having it missing doesn't seem to effect the car at all. No lights and the climate control works normally.

Can anybody confirm what this is acually doing on a 1992 SC400?

May 24, 2006 | 05:11 PM

#10

ki_soarer

Lexus Champion

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Maryland

xxSC400xx... if you have your AC on auto, does it lower the fan speed after a while?

im prety sure its just an ambient air temp sensor. on early models, there is no display, although my understanding is that it has some affect on climate control. but i could be wrong.

May 25, 2006 | 01:14 PM

#11

B1TEM3

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Joined: Aug 2001

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From: WA

it is an abient temp sensor, it measure the diff temp outside the car and inside for climate control.
I have it in my SC or my RX300 ( its not a displaying outside temperature like the newer SC on the speedometer)