There is an opinion among novice drivers that the outside air temperature sensor is not one of the key elements in the overall vehicle system. After all, this device is not included in the design of many VAZ cars.
This mostly applies to early models. Today, almost all modern cars are equipped with DTNV. If desired, the driver can independently connect a mechanism to control the air temperature outside the car.
Where is the outside air temperature sensor of the VAZ-2114 located and how to connect the sensor if the need arises?
The main purpose of DTNV
Today, the VDO panel has become widespread, which allows you to display the ambient temperature directly on the dashboard display. At first glance, it may seem that information about the state of affairs outside the car is not so significant for the driver. But, in fact, the outside air temperature sensor is a useful mechanism. This information is especially relevant during periods of unstable weather.
You can leave the garage in the morning, when the temperature is above zero, and in the evening it will be frosty. Thanks to DTNV, the driver will always be aware of possible problems with the road.
Among other things, in more expensive trim levels the outside air temperature sensor allows the car owner to start the engine to warm up automatically. This function significantly saves time and promotes “easy” engine starting.
According to the principle of operation, this mechanism is a conventional thermistor, since its resistance depends on temperature. The VAZ-2114 air temperature sensor is connected in its operation to the control unit. Any deviations in the functioning of the device will result in the manifestation of various symptoms of serious damage.
Car outdoor thermometer: Can the readings be trusted?
An outdoor thermometer in a car is not really a thermometer that we are used to. Technically, a device that determines the temperature outside measures it using electric current. This device is called a thermistor. Or a thermistor. Unlike conventional thermometers, which measure the temperature of the surrounding air by the expansion or contraction of a liquid (such as mercury or alcohol), the thermistor in modern cars determines temperature by measuring electrical resistance, which changes depending on the temperature. In many modern cars, the ambient temperature sensor is located at the front of the car. Most often, manufacturers install a thermistor somewhere near the radiator grille or air intakes in the bumper. Unfortunately, due to the layout, many cars have a problem where the outside temperature is displayed incorrectly on the dashboard. What is the reason?
External temperature sensor Ford Focus / Mondeo
Any of us who walked on sand on a hot day probably felt the heat emanating from it. Moreover, as a rule, the surface of the sand is always warmer than the surrounding air. But this is not surprising, since the sun always warms the earth more than the air.
Why does DTNV break down?
The main difficulty for novice drivers is the search for a device. The manufacturer has hidden the mechanism in such a way that sometimes experienced drivers are not immediately able to detect the DTNV. The controller itself is reliable, but breakdowns often occur.
see also
The most common reasons for its breakdown:
- from being hit by crushed stone while driving;
- critical temperature level (often breaks down during severe frosts);
- damage to wires;
- oxidation of contacts.
The driver may not notice for a long time that the ambient temperature sensor of the VAZ-2114 has failed. The system will not generate any signals if there is a small difference between the actual air temperature and the air temperature displayed by the sensor. However, with large deviations, when in the summer the display shows sub-zero temperatures, serious troubles will arise.
The resistance in the circuit will increase, and the control unit will perceive this information as an urgent need to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the cylinders. Ultimately, your gas mileage will increase.
About installing the controller on Kalina
Let's figure out how to install an ambient temperature sensor on this car. "Kalina", unfortunately, often does not even have the necessary wires, so you will have to pull them into the cabin yourself.
To install, you need to remove the bumper and install the sensor, preferably in front of the radiator. There are only two wires - ground and signal. We hook the mass to the nearest bolt, for example from a horn. We tape the signal wire to the harness with tape, although it is more preferable to use plastic clamps. The most convenient way to bring it into the cabin is through a plug installed near the battery. We remove the tidy and connect the sensor. Usually it shows the temperature right away, you don’t even have to remove the terminals. Now you know where the ambient temperature sensor is located on VAZ cars.
How to extend the life of the controller
The cost of this device is relatively small. If the sensor fails, it is better to replace it with a new one. Experienced mechanics advise doing this. You can try to extend its service life, but there is no guarantee that the DTNV will not fail at the most inopportune moment.
In any case, before replacing the controller, it is best to ensure the following:
- If the contacts are oxidized, they should be cleaned.
- Oxidized contacts on the chip should be wiped with alcohol and dried.
- Check wiring.
If the actions taken do not lead to the desired result, it is best to replace the DTNV. To carry out all the work, you do not need to have the skills of a mechanic; it is enough to arm yourself with a handy item.
When replacing an old sensor with a new one, there should not be any particular difficulties. DTNV must be installed in the same place. If the car was not equipped with such a device, then first of all it is worth deciding on a suitable location for the mechanism.
It is strictly not recommended to install the controller in the rear of the car. Since hot air is directed precisely to this part of the body while the car is moving. Experienced auto mechanics install the sensor mainly in the front of the car. Where is the air temperature sensor located on the VAZ-2114? The manufacturer has already provided space between the front bumper and the radiator.
How to connect an air temperature sensor yourself
The mechanism itself has two contacts, one of which must be connected to the vehicle ground, and the second to the ECU. But, before starting all work, you need to make sure that the on-board computer supports collaboration with a specific type of sensor. Information can be found in the documentation.
As for the installation itself, there are no difficulties here. You just need to follow the instructions for connecting the DTNV. After connecting the sensor, make sure that the instrument panel display shows the correct temperature.
If the incorrect outside air temperature is still displayed, you should “restart” the on-board computer. You just need to remove the positive terminal for 5-10 minutes, and then reconnect it. After the operation has been completed, the DTNV should begin to display the actual ambient temperature.
Direct installation
As noted above, the VAZ ambient temperature sensor is not difficult to install. Especially if all connectors are provided by the manufacturer. The next step is purchasing a sensor. There is nothing complicated, we go to the car store and buy the thing we need. The most optimal location for the sensor is near the radiator. The mass can be thrown over the welded pin. The wires need to be pulled into the interior. How this will be done is up to you. The most convenient and shortest way is through the clutch plug. Of course, you can’t do without disassembling the instrument panel. We dismantle it and look for the 25th contact. It is precisely intended for the ambient temperature controller. Readings on the on-board computer usually appear automatically. If this does not happen, reset the battery terminal for 10-15 minutes. After this everything should work. The VAZ ambient temperature sensor costs a penny. Its installation does not take much time.
Causes of malfunction
Arrow stuck on dashboard
It’s probably no secret to anyone that the arrows hanging on the dashboard are inextricably linked with the electrical circuits in the car. To troubleshoot the problem, the car enthusiast will need some knowledge of auto electrics, as well as design knowledge of the VAZ-2114.
As practice shows, most motorists, when such a breakdown occurs, turn to a car service center, but this problem can be eliminated on their own. But, first of all, it is necessary to find the immediate cause of the effect.
What are the options?
So, let's look at the possible options for the engine temperature indicator arrow to hang on the dashboard:
- The magnetic motor of the pointer drive is broken.
- Breaks and disturbances in the operation of the electrical circuits of the dashboard.
- Short circuit in the circuit board of the device itself.
- Freeze related to temperature sensor.
- Problems with the ECU.
Elimination methods
Once the root causes have been identified, you can move directly to methods to resolve the problem.
To carry out repair and diagnostic operations, you will need some tools, namely: a multimeter, an OBD II cable, a tablet or laptop, as well as a set of keys and screwdrivers for dismantling the main and auxiliary components.
So, now that the motorist is fully armed, you can proceed directly to the diagnostic and repair process.
conclusions
You can find and eliminate the cause of the freezing needle of the temperature indicator of the VAZ-2114 with your own hands without resorting to the help of a car service. Of course, you need to have knowledge in auto electrics, as well as know the design features of automotive electrical circuits. But, if the motorist is unable to diagnose and fix the malfunction, then it is recommended to contact a car service center.
The VDO instrument panel does not work. Temperature and fuel levels are “buggy”
Incorrect temperature and fuel readings? Probably many owners of VAZ 2110 – 2115 have already encountered the problem of incorrect display of fuel and temperature indicator on the dashboards of VDO, “ScheAvtopribor”, Vladimir.
The actual engine temperature is 90 degrees (we know this for sure), but on the instrument panel it shows 110 degrees. There are 10 liters of gasoline in the tank, but the instrument panel shows either 20 liters, then 15 liters, and sometimes correctly 10 liters. Moreover, usually the tachometer and speed always show the correct values. I had this problem for about a whole year. When I test the instrument panel (Press the daily mileage button - hold it down, turn on the ignition, all the arrows of the instrument indicators are observed to deviate over the entire span of the scale and the LCD segments are completely filled, and the emergency fuel level warning lamp also lights up. When testing the instrument panel, the temperature indicator should smoothly go a distance from 50 degrees to 130 degrees. The fuel level should smoothly go a distance from 0 to 1). If the pointers work correctly during the test, then the problem is electronics. Car service centers say that these instrument panels cannot be repaired. Just buy a new one of the same instrument panel and everything will be fine. It was a pity to spend money on a new VDO instrument panel (about 2,400 rubles), since the engine speed and speed of the car were shown, the temperature was monitored on the STATE 510 trip computer, and when refueling I had to set the gasoline in the same way on the standard computer. It was read theoretically from the controller. By the way, the calculation was quite accurate, but it was annoying to constantly put out gasoline.
