Hi everyone, I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT with a 2.4L engine, recently the check engine turned on so i ran a code scan on and popped the code P0073 which after some browsing and investigating found that it corresponds to the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor. Before i buy any replacements i would like to inspect the wiring harness and the electrical system, but im having some problems finding where its located, could someone care to help this newbie out?

 

Should be in the front of the vehicle. Behind the grill attached to a support beam/bracket in front of the radiator.

 

bottom right side of the bumper reinforcement.

the dtc your getting is for a short to voltage, bad sensor or open condition

to test the sensor wiring
unplug the connector at the sensor
-one wire should have 5 volts with key on
-unplugging it should set a circuit high dtc and the temp reading on a scan tool will read -40
- jumping the two connector pins together should set a circuit low dtc and the temp reading should be 130*F
-if all this occurs, the wiring is good, replace the sensor.

 

I did forget to mention that the temperature display on the dashboard does not turn on since i bought the car (from a friend), how can i know if the wiring is good without the display?

 

If the wiring is good and the sensor is good, then the code could be cleared and not come back. So it's either the sensor or the wiring. Cheapest and easiest thing to check is the wiring first before replacing the sensor.

 

scan tool data

you have the high code. if you jumper it and now get the low code and the high code goes stored....the wiring is good, replace the sensor.