Outside temperature guage: faulty design. >>>>
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Outside temperature guage: faulty design. >>>>
My temp guage is way off! I don't mean 5-6 degrees, I mean 10-15 or more degrees! I have also driven another RDX loaner, and the same thing happens. If you drive stop-and-go everyday (my car is my business), the temp guage will never read correctly, as this guage design is way too slow to respond correctly.
If I drive on the highway for 10+ minutes going about 70, it will read correctly. I have had my RDX in the dealer three times already for this! No one has a solution, not even Acura tech, who I have personally talked too. And yes, the temp guage is important to me (minor in the scheme of the overall performance of the car), because I constantly drive in the California heat, and I got hooked on this guage. Never had this problem in any other car. But then I have had a list of minor problems with my RDX (see my "second impressions" post below).
If I drive on the highway for 10+ minutes going about 70, it will read correctly. I have had my RDX in the dealer three times already for this! No one has a solution, not even Acura tech, who I have personally talked too. And yes, the temp guage is important to me (minor in the scheme of the overall performance of the car), because I constantly drive in the California heat, and I got hooked on this guage. Never had this problem in any other car. But then I have had a list of minor problems with my RDX (see my "second impressions" post below).
it's because of the alogrythm they use to control it. If your not moving (stop and go) the sensor won't be aloud to update the screen because heat soak from the asphalt and engine and exhaust from other cars will throw off the reading. so they way it updates is tied to speed and continous travel. I.e. if your doing 60mph it will update about 15 seconds or so, if your doing 5 mph its like once every 5 minutes, you get the idea.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,670
Likes: 377
From: Orion Spur, Milky Way
Originally Posted by The Dougler
If your not moving (stop and go) the sensor won't be aloud to update the screen because heat soak from the asphalt and engine and exhaust from other cars will throw off the reading. so they way it updates is tied to speed .
An aspirated temp sensor has a fan to move ambient air over it to avoid temp soaking. Acura's answer is to keep the car moving for aspiration.
(RDX service manual page 21-79)
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Black RDX in N. VA.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
An Acura problem??
Originally Posted by ongopt
My temp guage is way off! I don't mean 5-6 degrees, I mean 10-15 or more degrees! I have also driven another RDX loaner, and the same thing happens. If you drive stop-and-go everyday (my car is my business), the temp guage will never read correctly, as this guage design is way too slow to respond correctly.
If I drive on the highway for 10+ minutes going about 70, it will read correctly. I have had my RDX in the dealer three times already for this! No one has a solution, not even Acura tech, who I have personally talked too. And yes, the temp guage is important to me (minor in the scheme of the overall performance of the car), because I constantly drive in the California heat, and I got hooked on this guage. Never had this problem in any other car. But then I have had a list of minor problems with my RDX (see my "second impressions" post below).
If I drive on the highway for 10+ minutes going about 70, it will read correctly. I have had my RDX in the dealer three times already for this! No one has a solution, not even Acura tech, who I have personally talked too. And yes, the temp guage is important to me (minor in the scheme of the overall performance of the car), because I constantly drive in the California heat, and I got hooked on this guage. Never had this problem in any other car. But then I have had a list of minor problems with my RDX (see my "second impressions" post below).
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Originally Posted by XIS
How is it that EXACT temp is needed? Are you a weatherman?
Sure, I'm gonna drive carefully anyway, but having that extra piece of information is very handy.
Granted, in this situation, I believe the temp sensor in the TSX is actually fairly accurate since there's no heat soak issues and i'm not in stop and go driving. But this is an example of when I really like to know the temp.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Crystal Lake, IL
The temp looks pretty accurate to me when I am driving around. If I pass other billboards/displays that show the temp, the RDX is pretty much showing the same thing.
I never trust ANY car exterior temperature gauge in the first five minutes of getting into the car because I think for the most part, they all have issues when the car has been sitting for a while. This is not unique to the RDX by any stretch of the imagination.
I never trust ANY car exterior temperature gauge in the first five minutes of getting into the car because I think for the most part, they all have issues when the car has been sitting for a while. This is not unique to the RDX by any stretch of the imagination.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 158
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by rpeete
The temp looks pretty accurate to me when I am driving around. If I pass other billboards/displays that show the temp, the RDX is pretty much showing the same...
On a related note, does anyone know whether the sun sensor on the dash compensates/adjusts the Outside Air Temperature measurement?
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Temperature adjustment
Originally Posted by FitnessCC
I have the similar problem with my TSX....In my case, it's consistently reads 6-9 degrees above the actual ambient temperature. Very annoying, although I'm able to estimate by subtracting about 7 degrees from what it says. I haven't addressed this with the dealer yet -- but now I won't bother!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Yes, it is may be a minor thing, but>>>>
if it's comes supplied with a new car, such as the RDX, it should damn well work correctly! And I'm not talking about a few degrees off. Yesterday it was 90F outside, and my temp quage read 68!
Acura customer service has already admitted they have had many complaints, and I have never had any other car with an outside temp guage with any problems, regardless of my stop-and-go driving. It's plainly a faulty design and, along with all the other minor problems I have had with this RDX, not a good start to a pleasant ownership.
Acura customer service has already admitted they have had many complaints, and I have never had any other car with an outside temp guage with any problems, regardless of my stop-and-go driving. It's plainly a faulty design and, along with all the other minor problems I have had with this RDX, not a good start to a pleasant ownership.
Diggin' the RDX!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 351
Likes: 4
From: KC
Well, I can see how it would be annoying if it's 90 outside and your temp gauge is 68. This is AFTER you're on the road 10 minutes or so? Have you tried taking it to a different dealer or calling your area Acura rep? This does sound odd b/c once I'm moving, my temp gauge is what I'd consider accurate.
Look, I know it is probably HUGELY annoying...but if it were me, and I continued to have zero luck (is there a lemon law where you live that applies? I want to say they have 3 chances to fix it right, or else they buy the car back from you or something; look up what applies in your state) with a fix...I'd stick my head out the window and guess how cold / hot it is. Really, NOT trying to be patronizing here...but life is too short to get this upset about a temp gauge.
Look, I know it is probably HUGELY annoying...but if it were me, and I continued to have zero luck (is there a lemon law where you live that applies? I want to say they have 3 chances to fix it right, or else they buy the car back from you or something; look up what applies in your state) with a fix...I'd stick my head out the window and guess how cold / hot it is. Really, NOT trying to be patronizing here...but life is too short to get this upset about a temp gauge.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 249
From: Mapleridge, BC
[QUOTE=rpeete]The temp looks pretty accurate to me when I am driving around. If I pass other billboards/displays that show the temp, the RDX is pretty much showing the same thing.
Same here but then it hasn't reached 90 degrees yet. Usually same or plus + or -1 degree as outside billboards but then some of those pretty inaccurate too.
Aaah, but maybe it likes celsius better than farenheit.
Same here but then it hasn't reached 90 degrees yet. Usually same or plus + or -1 degree as outside billboards but then some of those pretty inaccurate too.
Aaah, but maybe it likes celsius better than farenheit.
07 Carbon Gray/Ebony
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Originally Posted by rpeete
The temp looks pretty accurate to me when I am driving around. If I pass other billboards/displays that show the temp, the RDX is pretty much showing the same thing.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,217
Likes: 39
From: Northern VA
Here is the algorithm used for the outside temp indicator. From the March 07 Acura Service News
"Outside Temperature Indicator Logic Explained
The A/C, the solar blocking glass, and the heater do
such a good job keeping the temperature of the
passenger’s compartment at a comfortable level that
it’s easy to lose track of just how hot or cold it really is
outside. An outside temperature indicator in the
gauge assembly gives you a reality check. But keep
in mind, this indicator isn’t a laboratory-grade
thermometer, and it might not show the same
temperature as you’d see on signs or buildings with
outside temp displays.
The outside air temperature sensor is mounted
behind the middle of the front bumper. The gauge
control module uses measurements from that sensor
to display the outside air temperature.
Because of where the sensor is mounted, it may be
affected by heat coming off the road, the engine, the
radiator, or even the exhaust pipes from other
vehicles. To minimize bogus readings, the gauge
control module follows a certain logic. Here’s how
that logic works:
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). . .
• If the engine coolant temperature is 139°F or
lower, the indicator shows the current outside air
temperature.
• If the engine coolant temperature is 140°F or
higher, the indicator shows the temperature that
was stored in memory when you turned the
ignition switch to LOCK (0), no matter what the
sensor behind the bumper currently measures.
The indicator doesn’t refresh until certain criteria are
met:
• If the measured outside air temperature is more
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature rises 1°F every minute once the
vehicle reaches and maintains a speed of 19
mph or faster for at least 30 seconds. As long
as the vehicle speed doesn’t drop below that, the
indicator refreshes every 60 seconds until the
two temperatures match. If the vehicle speed
drops below 19 mph, the indicator doesn’t start to
refresh again until the vehicle speed climbs to 19
mph or faster for more than
90 seconds.
• If the measured outside air temperature is less
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature drops 1°F every 2 seconds until
the two temperatures match, no matter what the
vehicle speed is.
So here’s the bottom line: The outside temperature
indicator seldom delivers readings in real time
because of the many heat sources that could throw
off that indication."
"Outside Temperature Indicator Logic Explained
The A/C, the solar blocking glass, and the heater do
such a good job keeping the temperature of the
passenger’s compartment at a comfortable level that
it’s easy to lose track of just how hot or cold it really is
outside. An outside temperature indicator in the
gauge assembly gives you a reality check. But keep
in mind, this indicator isn’t a laboratory-grade
thermometer, and it might not show the same
temperature as you’d see on signs or buildings with
outside temp displays.
The outside air temperature sensor is mounted
behind the middle of the front bumper. The gauge
control module uses measurements from that sensor
to display the outside air temperature.
Because of where the sensor is mounted, it may be
affected by heat coming off the road, the engine, the
radiator, or even the exhaust pipes from other
vehicles. To minimize bogus readings, the gauge
control module follows a certain logic. Here’s how
that logic works:
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). . .
• If the engine coolant temperature is 139°F or
lower, the indicator shows the current outside air
temperature.
• If the engine coolant temperature is 140°F or
higher, the indicator shows the temperature that
was stored in memory when you turned the
ignition switch to LOCK (0), no matter what the
sensor behind the bumper currently measures.
The indicator doesn’t refresh until certain criteria are
met:
• If the measured outside air temperature is more
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature rises 1°F every minute once the
vehicle reaches and maintains a speed of 19
mph or faster for at least 30 seconds. As long
as the vehicle speed doesn’t drop below that, the
indicator refreshes every 60 seconds until the
two temperatures match. If the vehicle speed
drops below 19 mph, the indicator doesn’t start to
refresh again until the vehicle speed climbs to 19
mph or faster for more than
90 seconds.
• If the measured outside air temperature is less
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature drops 1°F every 2 seconds until
the two temperatures match, no matter what the
vehicle speed is.
So here’s the bottom line: The outside temperature
indicator seldom delivers readings in real time
because of the many heat sources that could throw
off that indication."
4th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Naperville, IL
Originally Posted by Chas2
Here is the algorithm used for the outside temp indicator. From the March 07 Acura Service News
"Outside Temperature Indicator Logic Explained
The A/C, the solar blocking glass, and the heater do
such a good job keeping the temperature of the
passenger’s compartment at a comfortable level that
it’s easy to lose track of just how hot or cold it really is
outside. An outside temperature indicator in the
gauge assembly gives you a reality check. But keep
in mind, this indicator isn’t a laboratory-grade
thermometer, and it might not show the same
temperature as you’d see on signs or buildings with
outside temp displays.
The outside air temperature sensor is mounted
behind the middle of the front bumper. The gauge
control module uses measurements from that sensor
to display the outside air temperature.
Because of where the sensor is mounted, it may be
affected by heat coming off the road, the engine, the
radiator, or even the exhaust pipes from other
vehicles. To minimize bogus readings, the gauge
control module follows a certain logic. Here’s how
that logic works:
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). . .
• If the engine coolant temperature is 139°F or
lower, the indicator shows the current outside air
temperature.
• If the engine coolant temperature is 140°F or
higher, the indicator shows the temperature that
was stored in memory when you turned the
ignition switch to LOCK (0), no matter what the
sensor behind the bumper currently measures.
The indicator doesn’t refresh until certain criteria are
met:
• If the measured outside air temperature is more
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature rises 1°F every minute once the
vehicle reaches and maintains a speed of 19
mph or faster for at least 30 seconds. As long
as the vehicle speed doesn’t drop below that, the
indicator refreshes every 60 seconds until the
two temperatures match. If the vehicle speed
drops below 19 mph, the indicator doesn’t start to
refresh again until the vehicle speed climbs to 19
mph or faster for more than
90 seconds.
• If the measured outside air temperature is less
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature drops 1°F every 2 seconds until
the two temperatures match, no matter what the
vehicle speed is.
So here’s the bottom line: The outside temperature
indicator seldom delivers readings in real time
because of the many heat sources that could throw
off that indication."
"Outside Temperature Indicator Logic Explained
The A/C, the solar blocking glass, and the heater do
such a good job keeping the temperature of the
passenger’s compartment at a comfortable level that
it’s easy to lose track of just how hot or cold it really is
outside. An outside temperature indicator in the
gauge assembly gives you a reality check. But keep
in mind, this indicator isn’t a laboratory-grade
thermometer, and it might not show the same
temperature as you’d see on signs or buildings with
outside temp displays.
The outside air temperature sensor is mounted
behind the middle of the front bumper. The gauge
control module uses measurements from that sensor
to display the outside air temperature.
Because of where the sensor is mounted, it may be
affected by heat coming off the road, the engine, the
radiator, or even the exhaust pipes from other
vehicles. To minimize bogus readings, the gauge
control module follows a certain logic. Here’s how
that logic works:
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). . .
• If the engine coolant temperature is 139°F or
lower, the indicator shows the current outside air
temperature.
• If the engine coolant temperature is 140°F or
higher, the indicator shows the temperature that
was stored in memory when you turned the
ignition switch to LOCK (0), no matter what the
sensor behind the bumper currently measures.
The indicator doesn’t refresh until certain criteria are
met:
• If the measured outside air temperature is more
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature rises 1°F every minute once the
vehicle reaches and maintains a speed of 19
mph or faster for at least 30 seconds. As long
as the vehicle speed doesn’t drop below that, the
indicator refreshes every 60 seconds until the
two temperatures match. If the vehicle speed
drops below 19 mph, the indicator doesn’t start to
refresh again until the vehicle speed climbs to 19
mph or faster for more than
90 seconds.
• If the measured outside air temperature is less
than the indicated temperature, the indicated
temperature drops 1°F every 2 seconds until
the two temperatures match, no matter what the
vehicle speed is.
So here’s the bottom line: The outside temperature
indicator seldom delivers readings in real time
because of the many heat sources that could throw
off that indication."
Holy smokes! Is that more complicated than other manufacturers? My outside temperature guage seems to be off +0 - 7 degrees F. I had a Ford Expedition that was always spot on (compared to weather radio). I'll probably mention this issue to my dealer next time I'm in, but I won't ask for a fix until I hear one is available, hopefully on this forum.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,670
Likes: 377
From: Orion Spur, Milky Way
Originally Posted by bvkamp
Holy smokes! Is that more complicated than other manufacturers? My outside temperature guage seems to be off +0 - 7 degrees F. I had a Ford Expedition that was always spot on (compared to weather radio). .Perhaps some of the sensors are mis-calibrated in the RDX though. There is a procedure in the Service Manual for testing the sensor accuracy by measuring resistance. (page 21-79). If yours is more than 5 degrees off when moving have them check it.
Otherwise it helps to understand the system limitations. Thanks Chas2
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 971
Likes: 2
From: Hometown - Vancouver
Originally Posted by ongopt
My temp guage is way off! I don't mean 5-6 degrees, I mean 10-15 or more degrees! I have also driven another RDX loaner, and the same thing happens. If you drive stop-and-go everyday (my car is my business), the temp guage will never read correctly, as this guage design is way too slow to respond correctly.
If I drive on the highway for 10+ minutes going about 70, it will read correctly. I have had my RDX in the dealer three times already for this! No one has a solution, not even Acura tech, who I have personally talked too. And yes, the temp guage is important to me (minor in the scheme of the overall performance of the car), because I constantly drive in the California heat, and I got hooked on this guage. Never had this problem in any other car. But then I have had a list of minor problems with my RDX (see my "second impressions" post below).
If I drive on the highway for 10+ minutes going about 70, it will read correctly. I have had my RDX in the dealer three times already for this! No one has a solution, not even Acura tech, who I have personally talked too. And yes, the temp guage is important to me (minor in the scheme of the overall performance of the car), because I constantly drive in the California heat, and I got hooked on this guage. Never had this problem in any other car. But then I have had a list of minor problems with my RDX (see my "second impressions" post below).
so far, after 1,000 miles, driving through cold weather and now when the weather is warming up to spring, the temp. gauge has been reading reasonably accurately +/- 1C.
I suspect it being a faulty unit on your vehicle, rahter than a faulty design...
10th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I have been having the same problem. Sometimes it works perfectly and sometimes it is way... way off. I work in construction and I know it may seem stupid, but I would like to know exactly how bad I am going to fry so I love the temp gauge feature, when it works!!! I have my first service call scheduled for this Saturday 6/30/07 and asked them to take a look at it. At least I know ahead of time that nothing will be done about it!
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