Trane Shorted or Miscalibrated Outdoor Sensor

Thermostat displays outdoor temperature but value is obviously wrong

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Outdoor sensor wires shorted together, Sensor mounted in direct sunlight or near exhaust, Sensor element drift, Water intrusion into sensor housing

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power before working on sensor wiring.

  • Step 1 – Check sensor placement: Ensure the sensor is mounted on a shaded exterior wall away from direct sun, dryer vents, or other heat sources.
  • Step 2 – Inspect for moisture: Check the sensor housing for water intrusion or corrosion. Replace if damaged.
  • Step 3 – Test resistance: Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance. Compare to the temperature/resistance chart. A very low resistance may indicate a shorted sensor.
  • Step 4 – Replace sensor if readings are off: Install a new Trane outdoor sensor and seal the cable entry to prevent water ingress.
  • Step 5 – Verify reading: After replacement, compare the thermostat’s outdoor temperature to a local weather source.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Trane Outdoor Temperature Sensor
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