S1 External Temp Sensor Replacementt

One on replacement mirror (thanks Ken) was dead, one that WAS working OK before mirror demolition now thinks its 20C outside (actually I have had that before, I think with this same sensor, I will check the door wiring connector whenever it is light and not raining), one from previous donor mirror starts at 20C and keeps rising , stopped at 50C today.

So, I am wondering if its possible to get a new sensor to solder into place. After quite a bit of searching on the forum I have failed to come up with the info (although I've learned a few more intersting things :-)).

Anyone know. Its the little bubble that fits under the n/s mirror. I'm sure the one thats just stopped working was soldered on by the then main dealer.

Also, does an incorrect temp reading affect the car operation (eg engine management, suspension)?

Hi Tim,
I replaced one of these wee beasties a couple of weeks ago. Just soldered it on under the mirror with shrink sleeves over the repairs.. The one I used came off an old Peugeot mirror I had lying around and works perfectly.
As far as I'm aware (and stand to be corrected) I don't think it affects anything else other than the temp readout.
Do check that it is actually the sender at fault rather than the wiring before you throw it away. Mine went open circuit when it failed. If you have any resistence the sender could be OK.

Regards Rodders.

Yes I think it is a Straight reading from the sensor to the readout display..

I'm sure the sensors are the same in all PSA cars, IE: 306, Xantia, 605, XM, and which ever car has an outside Temp Display!

Rgds
citroenxm

Thanks for replies, I guess I will see how much it is from the dealer then, not having a scrap one to hand. Or maybe just band the mirror on anway and pretend its summer :-)

The one totally failed one (reads "--C") was virtually open circuit, the soldered on one that was OK until recent mirror demolition reads 3.09 kOhm, the other one ( temp keeps rising) seemed to have variable resisitance.

Hi Dr Tim

There are 3 different types of sensor for XM's. All have the same bit of electronics but are cast in a different size/shape of plastic case. Early Mk1 sensors have a pair of lugs for screw fixing to the front bumper grill. Later Mk1 sensors omit the lugs and fit in a hole in the underside of the mirror shell. Mk2 sensors have a smaller profile casing and fit in the underside of the mirror hinge held in place by a black plastic cover. These Mk2 covers are of course not available except as part of a complete Mirror shell.

Regards

XMexc

I have a few temp sensors from old Vauxhalls, the bumper mounted type. I wonder if these things are of a standard design, e.g would they work on the XM, or are they likely to be vastly different. I can't really work out a way of testing unfortunately.

A thought though Tim, have you considered mounting the sensor elsewhere, if your mirror keeps getting demolished?

Ciarán

Hi Ciaran

Have a little test rig here for checking LH displays. There is also a chock block connector for checking the temperature sensors. If you want the sensors checked then send them to me.

Regards

John

Hi John,

No probs, I'll have to get your address and send one over. Would be interesting to find out if the sensors are compatible, as a we all know theres an abundance of Vauxhalls out there, and practically all of them, from the early 90s, right up to the latest models, have this same temp sensor. What's more, its in an accessible location, and can be removed in seconds with no tools, making them quite easy to obtain on a scrap yard visit.
I know they can be found in PSA cars, but removing the mirrors is a lot more work, then you have the added hassle of the incompatible sensor sizes anyway...

Just a thought

Ciarán

Thanks for clarifying that, its the later S1 type that I have.

I got one from the local stealer a couple of years back. I don't think it was much money at the time. At least with new you know it is a good one rather than going to the effort to get a scrap one to find that it doesn't work either.

Hi all, a bit late with this one -mirror mounted temp sensor. It is available from cit dealers - mk2 stock no. is 6445 f8 and it plays it's part in those cars equipped with climate control as the outside temp input, in conjunction with providing in-car display.

Thanks Robert, and others. I ordered one last week, yet to pick it up, but in the meantime the one I thought had failed started working again! Mirror back on, and
I'm driving the K reg one again this week:-). Don't know what was wrong the week before, I gave all the cables a good wiggle test to no avail. Decided I needed the mirror on with or without temp sensor last weekend, and temp reading back to normal!

I guess to fit an Mk2 sensor to a Mk1 car you have to do some soldering?

Yup, I guess the climate control does need to know what the temp is outside.

later