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Autopapyrus · Dongfeng 580 (2021)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/dongfeng/580/outside-air-temperature-sensor-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Dongfeng 580 (2021): Outside Air Temperature Sensor Replacement

On the Dongfeng 580, the outside temperature sensor is usually located at the front, behind the bumper or radiator grille, in the airflow. It provides the temperature reading on the instrument cluster and is used by the climate control system. The exact procedure for this model is not documented in publicly available service materials. What follows is a general procedure, so verify the location and mounting method on the vehicle itself.

DifficultyEasy Time20-40 minutes Steps10

Diagram: how the outside temperature sensor is built and what to press

Side view of the sensor removed from the car1Sensor body2Round headCompare the head with the old one3Two wires4Latch edgePress the tab with a screwdriverTap to enlarge
  1. 1Sensor body: a small plastic part with a cavity underneath. Compare the new one with the old: body shape, latch, connector and wire length must match.
  2. 2Round head: a low bump on the body. Compare it with the old one, a different sensor type gives wrong readings.
  3. 3Two wires lead to the connector. Check them for breaks, corrosion and worn insulation. Route them as before.
  4. 4Latch edge: the sensor is held by a plastic tab. Press the tab with a screwdriver and pull the sensor out.

Part

№Part
01 Outside air temperature sensor (NTC thermistor, plastic housing, 2-pin connector)

Tools

5
  • screwdriver set
  • plastic trim removal tools
  • 8-10 mm socket with ratchet
  • multimeter
  • flashlight

Step by step

10 steps
  1. Park the vehicle on level ground, shut off the engine, and remove the key. Wait until the front of the vehicle cools down: a sensor heated by the engine gives readings that are too high.
  2. Confirm what is actually faulty. Typical symptoms: dashes or unrealistic values on the display (for example, -40 or +60 °C), or readings that lag far behind the real temperature. First inspect the sensor, connector, and wiring for breaks, corrosion, and chafed insulation.
  3. Locate the sensor. It is usually mounted behind the front bumper, near the radiator grille, or on a bracket in front of the radiator. It is a small plastic cylinder or "flag" with two wires and a connector. Gain access by removing the plastic trim grille or the covers on the lower part of the bumper. To do this, pry the clips loose with a trim tool and remove the screws, if there are any.
  4. Press the connector lock and disconnect the plug. Pull on the plug, not on the wires. Inspect the contacts for green corrosion and moisture, and if needed clean them with rubbing alcohol or electrical contact cleaner.
  5. If you doubt the sensor, test it with a multimeter. For most sensors of this type, the resistance at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) is within a few kΩ (about 2-3 kΩ) and changes noticeably when warmed by hand. If the reading is infinite (open circuit), the sensor is faulty. For exact values at various temperatures, see the manufacturer's service data.
  6. Remove the sensor. It is usually held by a plastic latch or clip: press the tab with a screwdriver and pull the sensor out. If it is secured with a bolt, remove it with a socket. The tightening torque for this kind of fastener is low and is specified by the manufacturer (roughly 2-5 N·m (1.5-3.7 lb-ft)), so do not overtighten.
  7. Compare the new sensor with the old one: the housing shape, retainer, connector, and wire length must match. Do not install a different type of sensor: its resistance and characteristic curve may differ, and the readings will be wrong.
  8. Install the new sensor in the same location until it clicks (or secure it with the bolt without overtightening). Connect the connector until it clicks, route the wiring the same way it was, and secure it in the factory clips so it does not touch hot or moving parts.
  9. Turn the ignition on. Check that the display shows a reading close to the real temperature. After the vehicle has sat with the front end cooled down, it should match an outdoor thermometer. If the fault remains, check the wiring and connector all the way to the control unit.
  10. Reinstall the trim grille or bumper covers, and secure the clips and screws. If stored fault codes remain, clear them with an OBD scanner or by disconnecting the battery terminal for a few minutes.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • After replacement, the reading may not update right away: the control unit sometimes "remembers" the last value until the vehicle has been driven for a few kilometers
  • Do not work under the bumper with a hot engine, and if you need to lift the vehicle, use reliable stands, not just a jack
  • If the connector or wiring is damaged and you cannot repair it yourself, contact a repair shop