Outside air temp sensor that doesn't look like crap?

[Martinjmpr]

Can anyone recommend a relatively simple/inexpensive outside air temp gauge that doesn't look like something from the $2.99 aisle at Wal Mart?

I've sold my FMU but the only thing I really wanted it for was the outside temperature. My wife's GV has this (hell, I think most SUVs nowadays do) and it comes in handy - lots of times when I'd like to know the actual temp (yeah, yeah, I know I could just roll down the window and stick my hand out )

Anyway, most of the ones I've seen look like crap and stick on with velcro. Would like something a little more classy looking for my 3rd gen 4runner.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Martinjmpr]

UPDATE: Did a little Googling and came up with this:

http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Digit..._9?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1268848956&sr=8-9

I had a similar type of unit on my Subaru which I primarily used for the clock (the backlight went out on my factory radio and the replacement radio for some inexplicable reason didn't include a clock.) The one on the Subaru did not include the temp sensor, though, just the clock and compass. It also ran on 3 aaa batteries. What amazed me about that was that I put a fresh set of batteries in it around February of 2005 and when I traded the car in January of '07 I was still running on that same set of batteries - and this is despite the fact that I lived in Laramie, WY part of the time (where temps can plunge to -20 or more in Winter) and that I never once parked that Subie in a garage!

Note that the one above is the cigarette ligher version. With 3 12v outlets on the dash I should be OK (I still have one for the GPS and one for the cell phone charger and/or CB.) My only concern now is how to hide the ugly wires...I hate wires!

 

[Hilldweller]

I saw one of these mounted on an XJ the other day.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I saw one of these mounted on an XJ the other day.

On an XJ that wouldn't look bad.

 

[MarcFJ60]

This unit is run by a lot of motorcyclists: http://www.aerostich.com/navigate-communicate/scooter-clocks-compasses-thermometers/5-function-digital-meter.html

Ironically, it's not very waterproof. But inside the cab, it should be fine. Not much better than what I have seen at truck stops, but perhaps a little nicer.

 

[4xdog]

VDO make a nice in-dash, dial type outside temperature gauge. 2 inch (52 mm) diameter.

http://www.vdo.com/generator/www/com/en/vdo/main/products_solutions/marine_solutions/marine_instruments/ocean_line/ocean_line_accessories/outside_temperature_gauge/outside_temperature_gauge_en.html

It was original equipment on some German cars in the past if I recall correctly, that had them in the console. Probably an eBay/junkyard option for the lowest price.

 

[pray4surf]

Also, from Aerostich

Icetracker Thermometer

Without the bells and whistles of the one previously posted

And another

Mini Remote Thermometer

 

[PhulesAU]

Also, from Aerostich

Icetracker Thermometer

Without the bells and whistles of the one previously posted

And another

Mini Remote Thermometer

#1 is the same as the truck stop sells. #2 has been seen at northern tool.

 

[TangoBlue]

Scan Gauge II can be programmed to measure ambient air temp.

 

[Deleted member 13060]

Scanguage II measures intake air temp at the Air Flow Meter. Runs 4 degrees (give or take a bit based on speed) hotter than actual outside air on my 2006 Tacoma. Sitting at a light in the summer it will quickly rise to engine compartment temp...... RON

 

[matt s]

Here you go. Looks stock when installed. I have one in my rig, although it doesn't look stock in a 40 year old rig like mine!

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0013895521253a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=compass+mirror&Ntk=Product_liberal&sort=all&Go.y=0&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0

Kinda spendy, but I have taken it from vehicle to vehicle. Just save the old rear view mirror for re install later.

 

[TangoBlue]

Scanguage II measures intake air temp at the Air Flow Meter. Runs 4 degrees (give or take a bit based on speed) hotter than actual outside air on my 2006 Tacoma. Sitting at a light in the summer it will quickly rise to engine compartment temp...... RON

That's true but you can also program an X-code to measure ambient air temp not just intake air temp - as you noted, there is a difference between the 2 temps that the ECU samples. You can also get transmission temp and a number of other specially programmed measurements. Some of these other X-codes are documented in a different thread.

 

[Deleted member 13060]

That's true but you can also program an X-code to measure ambient air temp not just intake air temp - as you noted, there is a difference between the 2 temps that the ECU samples. You can also get transmission temp and a number of other specially programmed measurements. Some of these other X-codes are documented in a different thread.

On my '06 there are two "air temp" sensors. One in the intake and the other behind the grill for the overhead display in the cab. On my truck the engine ECU doesn't know about the sensor behind the grill so that info is unavailable to the Scanguage II. I can only read intake temp. YMMV

As for tranny temp? That rumor was the reason I bought the Scanguage II and (as far as I know) nobody has come up with an x-code for tranny temp on the 05 and up trucks.... If you know different, spill the beans, myself and a LOT of other guys would love to have the tranny code..... RON

 

[Maximus Ram]

Anyone interested, I found the icetracker thermometer on e-bay for 14.99 w/ free shipping. I grabbed 1 and there is 1 left as I write this...
link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ICETRACKER-INSI...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item563a830dce

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I always wonder at the necessity for an "ice" warning. I mean really? If it's close to 0C/32F, there's likely to be ice. Isn't just seeing the number good enough?

Also have a Scanguage, and would love to get the trans temp working, but most of the X codes don't work for my Land Rover, since it's PCM or something.