Small Crash Now No Outside Temp. Showing On Display

[j1n20]

Just after some help with an issue that i've gotten myself into.

Long story short...managed to drive into a trailer of mine, very light damage, grill damaged and bumper damaged not too fussed, 'twas my own stupidity.

I've managed to cut a wire, looking down from the bonnet into the small space near the radiator I can see a wire harness has been cut. Inside the vehice where the outside temp. (centre console) would show now shows --...assuming those wires have something to do with it.

Wondering what to do next...is it something I should try repair myself, shall i continue driving it?

again apologies for the openess of the questions

all help appreciated :)

(will upload pics of the damage to the wires tomorrow)

[Grumpy Cabbie]

The outside temperature sensor is usually inside the front bumper. I'm assuming thats what you've damaged. Probably an easy DIY fix but if you're not confident in such things then take the car to your local friendly dealer or garage.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

As GC has said, its sitting on the cross member in front of the Radiator, you've possible torn the wiring or damaged the sensor.

Best option if wiring has torn out of the plug unit the sensor plugs into is see if you can get a replacement plug and sensor from a scrappy with a decent length of wiring coming from it and wire it into the existing wiring.

[IanIanIanIan]

Would a replacement sensor need calibrating to the car?

[MEP's Yaris GS]

Would a replacement sensor need calibrating to the car?

It shouldn't do as its a simple resistor setup that Toyota are still using from what I can see, was surprised to see the same unit on my 2013 PiP as on our 2001 Yaris.

[j1n20]

Would a replacement sensor need calibrating to the car?

It shouldn't do as its a simple resistor setup that Toyota are still using from what I can see, was surprised to see the same unit on my 2013 PiP as on our 2001 Yaris.

apologies for late response, was driving the car around and heard something moving around in the front, had a look and found the ambient sensor and some wiring attached to it just laying in the bottom grill area and luckiliy it hadn't fallen out...

I guess next steps would be to solder it back to the loom? just wondering if it would cause any other issues and confiriming I should disconnect the 12v Battery before soildering the wiring back together?

[Dutchguy]

I have read somewhere that soldering wires does not create a reliable connection in cars. Sure, it will last if it does not get much movement from vibration. It is usually better to use the flat connectors commonly used in the automotive industry. I also suggest to use some shrink sleeve to make it weatherproof.

[j1n20]

I have read somewhere that soldering wires does not create a reliable connection in cars. Sure, it will last if it does not get much movement from vibration. It is usually better to use the flat connectors commonly used in the automotive industry. I also suggest to use some shrink sleeve to make it weatherproof.

Could you direct me to what type of flat connectors please?

[Dutchguy]

Not the item I was looking for, but in searching It reminded me of it....

This is probably the best and easiest solution to repair a cut cable. You just stick in both ends of the cable, close the connector and press shut with some pliers...easy and reliable. I have successfully used them on a motorbike and they face a brutal environment.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/search?text=Maplin+Snap+Lock+Automotive+Cable+Connectors

Best Regards

[MEP's Yaris GS]

I have read somewhere that soldering wires does not create a reliable connection in cars.

Correct, something to do with vibrations and frequencies etc when the vehicle is moving from memory.