Outside temperature

Well... I'm just getting used to my 07 Ridgeline RT that I picked up last Friday and it is missing something that I really do wish I had... an outside temperature display.

My '05 CR-V and '05 Odyssey have it but not my '07 Ridgeline. Evidently, to get this highly technically advanced space age feature (developed by NASA shortly after they discovered TempurPedic) I would have needed to spend a few extra thousand dollars (isn't it available on the RTL?). :(

I'm guessing this isn't something that can be added after-the-fact is it?

Thanks
Thomas

(Edited for fun)

Sorry, tbradnc, the outside temperature display starts with the RTS and up. Besides telling you the outside temperature, it's used for the automatic climate control feature.

But, heh, you could always get an indoor/outdoor thermometer for about $10 and put the "outdoor" sensor under a fender or something, right?!?:o

Before I purchased my RTS I used a fish tank sick on decal temp gauge and it worked fine. Just stick it on your mirror and your read out will be the same as the bank signs. I think I paid $3 or $4 for it - it was a cheap test and it worked great. I didn't even know that the temp was incl. in certain packages. Hope this helps!

Kurt
(new to board)

Welcome to the ROC neighbor... Great to have ya here Kurt...

:D

IMO honda really dropped the ball on this one.:(

granted my RTX has lots of standard features that would be options on some comparable models(auto trans, side airbags, trac control)but lacks this very simple, cheap (although very important) feature....:confused:

where is the logic? maybe they figured since the vehicle is so safe to start with, its ok for it to slide off the icey roads :rolleyes:

I dont have many gripes with my RL, but I can complain all day about this one.

On the same note, this is the very first vehicle I have ever owned that had outside temp display...

How'd we survive all those driving years without features such as outside temp control... Remember rear wheel drive vehicles? Jeesh, I also remember when there wasn't floor boards and you had to dig your Fred Flinstone heels into the ground to stop...:eek:

All kidding aside, I don't see this as being a ball dropped imho... especially when you make note of the other features you DID get... I've always lived by, if it's cold enough out that it might be icy, I drive accordingly. Don't need a temp display to help me out here...:o

The logic is to cut costs, it's that simple. It's not just a display, it's a sensor and wiring.

brich I'll gladly accept your temp. display since you dont need it ;)

I know Its possible to survive w/o it, but its the idea that civics have them, even the fit sport has one!!!!! a $17k econo-car!! :mad: cant be too much extra cost involved.

people buy 4WDs for use in winter!! newsflash honda!

now I have to slap a fish tank thermometer on the mirror of my nearly $30k truck...ROFL

The logic is to cut costs, it's that simple. It's not just a display, it's a sensor and wiring.

This is only partly correct. I have personally verified that the sensor, which is located right behind the upper-lower grille, is present on my RTX. Moreover, the "140 mph gauge trick" verifies that the display includes the digits for the outside temp display. The difference, I believe, is electronics that are included in the dual-zone HVAC and not in the basic system.

There have been multiple posts here to the effect that Canadian base models may include the outside temp display. AND Honda sells an outside temp display for the LX/EX Accords -- it does include the sensor and a module that is hooked up under the dash...

As far as cutting costs, it is cheaper for Honda to have one display module rather than two, and evidently the sensor has some purpose in the HVAC system besides displaying the outside temp...

In defense of having the outside temperature display, it is extremely handy when you live in an area with very different elevations. There can be a 20 degree temperature change from down in the valley to up in the passes. Also, there can be a 10 degree change between sun and shade. Some of the roads in the mountains have parts of the roads that never see the sun in winter.

The outside temperature display gives you an extra bit of information you may need to adjust your driving behavior.

The difference, I believe, is electronics that are included in the dual-zone HVAC and not in the basic system.

There have been multiple posts here to the effect that Canadian base models may include the outside temp display. AND Honda sells an outside temp display for the LX/EX Accords -- it does include the sensor and a module that is hooked up under the dash...

As

My Canadian base LX has the outside temp display but not the dual-zone AC.

I thought about the aquarium thermometer as well. I hate to do it - it's embarrassing.

But, I have to say that my 05 CR-V came from the factory with a 6 disc CD changer *and* (drum roll....) a cassette player. Yes, a cassette player in a 2005 auto.

I'd trade it for an outside temp display on my RL...

Thanks
Thomas

does anyone know if the temp sensor can be calibrated? mine reads 7-8 degrees higher than what the radio guy says and my other cars reads at the same location.

does anyone know if the temp sensor can be calibrated?
It can be adjusted + - 5 degrees. Consult your owners manual. Its in the glove compartmant.

actually mine's not in the glove box. I moved it to the seat back pocket. but thanks for the valuable tip.

I spent a whole $5 US at radio shack. Put one end in trunk in bed the other in the middle packet. Works great.

Can anyone with a shop manual tell if we could add a little module or something to our base model budget RLs to get outside temp. I have a little indoor/outdoor thermometer, and it is a piece of junk. I would much rather have the factory one. The velcro for my thermometer keeps melting... It is annoying.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can give any answers. Yes, I know, I should drop the cash and get my own shop manual. Anyone know if a PDF manual or anything is available for cheap or free?

Can anyone with a shop manual tell if we could add a little module or something to our base model budget RLs to get outside temp.


Sorry...from all I've read, can't be done. :cool:

Thanks bongus. I wonder how those Canadians get their outside temp without the climate control system. Oh, to be Canadian... and know what temp it is outside...

Thanks bongus. I wonder how those Canadians get their outside temp without the climate control system. Oh, to be Canadian... and know what temp it is outside...

Have you thought about buying an autodimming mirror which has an outside temperature gauge? Check out the pic.

:cool:

Have you thought about buying an autodimming mirror which has an outside temperature gauge? Check out the pic.

:cool:

:eek: I have been looking hi and lo for that!!!!

is that your truck? where did you get that mirror???

link please!!!! :D

Yup, that's my RL. Here is a link (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11403&highlight=videomirror) to the thread that I started regarding this particular mirror. Hope this answers some of your questions. If you have more detailed questions, just ask. :cool:

It is true... the base Canadian model has outside temperature gauge AND heated mirrors. Must be why we pay $5000 more for the vehicle here, even though the dollar has parity and they are assembled nearby... grrrr


This is only partly correct. I have personally verified that the sensor, which is located right behind the upper-lower grille, is present on my RTX. Moreover, the "140 mph gauge trick" verifies that the display includes the digits for the outside temp display. The difference, I believe, is electronics that are included in the dual-zone HVAC and not in the basic system.

There have been multiple posts here to the effect that Canadian base models may include the outside temp display. AND Honda sells an outside temp display for the LX/EX Accords -- it does include the sensor and a module that is hooked up under the dash...

As far as cutting costs, it is cheaper for Honda to have one display module rather than two, and evidently the sensor has some purpose in the HVAC system besides displaying the outside temp...

Before I purchased my RTS I used a fish tank sick on decal temp gauge and it worked fine. Just stick it on your mirror and your read out will be the same as the bank signs. I think I paid $3 or $4 for it - it was a cheap test and it worked great. I didn't even know that the temp was incl. in certain packages. Hope this helps!

Kurt
(new to board)

Good suggestion Kurt, I've seen some that are small enough now for fish tanks that wouldn't be obtrusive when applied to the drivers side mirror and some that have a digital looking readout with the numbers.

The outside temp guage in my Bmw was never very accurate, it would almost always differ than what the weather station said it was outside as well as differ from bank signs in the sun or out of the sun, it was just sort of a guesstimate for me. But once it gets over 106°F it doesn't really matter what temp it is, you already know it's HOT!

I believe Gentex (I think that is the company name) makes a autodimming rearview mirror that has an outside temperature display and compass. The trouble with it, though, is you have to route the temperature probe through the wire access in the firewall and typically put it on the front bumper somewhere. I tried the installation on my Tundra and it was a pain and a half!