Ambient Temperature Sensor Behind Grille (Can't Find Part Online) (1 Viewer)

[TOYSTRY]

On the front of my Lexus LX450 (not sure if this also applies to the standard Land Cruiser), there’s a sensor located behind the grille, plugged into a wire harness. Mine is badly corroded, as you can see in the photo. I've spent hours searching for a replacement on Partsouq but haven’t had any luck.

Based on my research, it seems to be the Ambient Temperature Sensor, and while the part number is printed on it, it doesn’t show up in the parts catalog.

I have a few questions:

1. Where is the outside air temperature supposed to display inside the vehicle? I’m assuming that’s what this sensor is for.
2. Is there an updated part number for this sensor? The one on the sensor doesn’t return any results.
3. What is the correct mounting location? I found mine sitting inside a hollow tube behind the grille, but I’m not sure if that’s where it’s supposed to be.

Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[OGBeno]

Part number is 88790-60070.

It’s long discontinued and no longer available.

It doesn’t display a temperature. It allows the automatic climate control system to use outside temperature data for the HVAC system.

Post an ad in the Classifieds section of IH8MUD and maybe you can score one.

 

[TOYSTRY]

Part number is 88790-60070.

It’s long discontinued and no longer available.

It doesn’t display a temperature. It allows the automatic climate control system to use outside temperature data for the HVAC system.

Post an ad in the Classifieds section of IH8MUD and maybe you can score one.

Good man, I figured someone would know the answer. Looks to be a universal part for Toyota Mitsubishi and other Japanese brands so might be easier to source assuming they didn’t discontinue the part as well. It’s not an essential part but it’s nice to try to find the replacement if possible.

 

[96bruizer]

Not to derail, but where is the original ambient temp sensor located? I’ve got an aftermarket one I’d like to put in the correct location.

 

[NeverFinis]

Not to derail, but where is the original ambient temp sensor located? I’ve got an aftermarket one I’d like to put in the correct location.

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Mine displays indoor/outdoor right in the middle of the dash. Yours must be defective....

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https://www.amazon.com/weideer-Fahrenheit-Thermometer-Waterproof-Temperature/dp/B0928QY786

 

[COS80]

Mine displays indoor/outdoor right in the middle of the dash. Yours must be defective....

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https://www.amazon.com/weideer-Fahrenheit-Thermometer-Waterproof-Temperature/dp/B0928QY786

How accurate is that? I had some fancy mirror-based system that came in mine, and it was the most laughably inaccurate temp gauge I've ever seen.

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Near as I can tell, spot on. It mimics my phone for outside and after running the truck for a good while on a road trip, 45 min to an 1hr, so everything comes into equalibrium; the indoor temp matches the setting on the Auto climate control within a couple degrees (+/-3).

When sitting still the outdoor one will climb a few degrees as its getting heat from the frame under the radiator, but as soon as you get rolling again it comes right back down.