The Ambient Air Temperature sensor (AATS) is located behind the grill of the Aston Martin Vantage. This location is not ideal as its accuracy is somewhat comprised by the vehicles radiator temperature when the vehicle is not moving.
That said, this location remains popular among many vehicle manufactures as it provides a protected and easily accessible location for measuring outside air temperatures.
The Ambient Air Temperature Sensor (also called the outside air temperature sensor) is responsible for providing the vehicles HVAC computer systems with continuous outside air temperature information. This input, along with in-vehicle temperatures sensors allow the vehicles cabin temperature to be maintained for the desired occupant comfort.
If the outside air temperature reads abnormally high (or low) and does not come into range as the vehicle moves, then the AATS might be suspect.
This AATS is not unique to Aston Martin. On the contrary, it’s a generic part used among a number of vehicle manufactures. Theoretically, most AATS used in 2007 (the year of my Vantage) should work. The objective is to find one that fits the existing wiring harness.
After some research, I came to the following conclusions.
This part is manufactured by various manufactures under different part numbers. Example :.
WVE Part number 5S8874.
NTK Part number AN0150 and AN0103 (external mount).
Standard Motor Products Part number AX57.
AC Delco Part number 1550307.
Below is a partial list of Toyota vehicles that uses this part.
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser.
2007 Toyota Tundra.
2007 Toyota RAV4.
2007 Toyota Tacoma.
2007 Prius.
2007 Toyota Tundra.
I purchased an AATS for a 2007 Toyota Prius from Rock Auto. Note that this part is available from a number of resellers (Inc. Amazon). I chose Rock Auto (and AC Delco) because I trust that their parts are original manufactured parts, and AC Delco manufactures original equipment parts. (Photographs below)
The project starts by removing the Slam panel in the front of the engine. You will need a 30 Torx tool. (Photographs below)
With the Slam panel off, the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor wiring and front tip (white arrow) can just barely be seen in the photographs below.
Although I probably could muscle this sensor out as is, I decided to remove the grill to get better access.
With the Grill removed, the AATS can be seen attached to the lower part of the Grill's front support. (photograph below)
I tried to remove the wiring plug from the rear of the sensor. Nothing happened. I then tried to remove the sensor from the plastic attachment secured to the Grill front support. Nada.
This should not be this hard.
At this point I was getting slightly pissed off so I gave it a pissed off look hoping that would help as I contemplated what to do next.
Examination of the new sensor offered some clues on removing the sensor body from the white plastic part that secures it to the front Grill support beam. There is a hidden tab that needs to be released via a small screwdriver inserted at the front upper slot. (yellow arrow photographs below)
With this new found knowledge I was able to release the sensor by pulling forward while keeping a small screwdriver inserted into the upper slot.
Not willing to go quietly, the wiring harness refused to disengage from the sensor back. You know there is a release somewhere but you can’t find it. Finally, I identified two spring like hooks on either side of the wiring harness plug. (white and blue arrows photographs below).
Once released the wiring harness grudgingly released itself from the sensor.
Examination of the old and new sensors shows them to be identical externally.
Installation is straightforward. The pinouts are identical and the sensor slides into the plastic mount on the front Grill support beam.
Reinstall grill and slam panel. Drive safe.
