Outside temperature sensor

[Thelma Garcia]

Would like to know if I need to replace a fuse or the whole sensor. Where on the car are they located at?

[gbhrps]

Thelma,

There won't be a fuse specifically for the outside temperature sensor, but rather one or several that protect the entire heating and cooling system wiring. So if the rest of your HVAC system is working, don't worry about a fuse.

Chances are that either the wire to the temp sensor has broken, or its electrical connector has corroded and just needs cleaning, or perhaps the sensor itself has gone bad and needs replacing. Don't go buying one until you know for sure that you need one. And even then, see if you can't get a used one from eBay or a wrecking yard, because the new price from Lexus may break the bank.

That said, the sensor will be behind the front grill where it can be in the airflow through the nose of the car as you drive. You may have to remove the bottom plastic cover under the bumper to get at it. Which side, I'm not sure, but a Google search for "2002 es300 outside temp sensor location" should get it for you. Good Luck!